Aramis craft nothing but the finest possible, crafted from the pick of fruit grown to the most splendid sites. All the winemaking is highly traditional and very labour intensive, maturation takes place in a high proportion of new American oak barriques. A deeply ruby purple Shiraz, the nose offers mulberry, blackberries and plum, toasty oak and wafts of fresh mint over layers of dark chocolate. On the palate blueberry, black raspberry and char, wonderful intensity, supple integrated fruit tannins before a long finish, all in fine balance with the soothing alcohol warmth of Gulf St Vincent.

Aramis are endowed with over sixty acres of the most propitious vineyards in all McLaren Vale. There's a single elite block of old Shiraz, at the very top of the steeply planted property, invigorated by the balmy maritime breezes of Gulf St Vincent, it yields a spectacular harvest of fruit, defined by its fragrantly spiced cassis opulence, chamois, mocha tannins and textural mineral richness. The Heir is assembled from the best of the best barrels Aramis Shiraz, matured two years in a luxuriously high proportion of new French oak hogsheads, unfiltered and unfined.

In their pursuit of excellence, to grow the highest quality grapes and create the finest Sparkling Syrah, Aramis decided to ask the best winemaker to handle their fruit. McLaren Vale born and bred, he knows every acre of soil and every coastal breeze. Most importantly, he develops a kinship with each and every vine. Aramis won't say who this reputable man is, but his brilliance as a winemaker is evident from the moment a bottle of Aramis is opened. That was the arrangement made with the evasive artisan, to allow the Syrah to speak for itself.

Ray and Patrik Jones first venture into wine culture was a proposal for a film featuring industry savant James Halliday as anchorman. Set near the juncture of Kangarilla and Tatachilla Roads at McLaren Vale, the father and son operation release small amounts of hand made wine. Arakoon are somewhat more elegant and understated, a stylistic objective achieved through extended post ferment maceration and supple new French oak. Sellicks Beach conjures violet and spiced plums over a heady touch of bourbon barrel and creamy, mocha tannins.

Andrew Garrett can lay claim to the most memorable vintages of Australia's finest, effervescent red wines. The choicest harvests of fruit from premier vineyards, parcels showing exemplary varietal defintion and ripe tannin balance, are assembled into a generously flavoured wine which defines the sparkling Shiraz style. Consistent in quality and versatile in service, Andrew Garrett makes the perfect aperitif, an ideal acompaniement to rich cuisine or light nibbles and hors d'oeuvres.