An assemblage of parcels Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz from a coterie of splendid vineyards in McLaren Vale, a big boned style with dizzying levels of alcohol, designed to delight the most boisterous Aussie Claret enthusiast. The medley of varietals dance, each element putting their best foot forward. Cherries, blackberries and plum, dressed by a wainscot of polished vanillin oak, the silky, satin profile, supported by suave tannins, cascades effortlessly through the palate, an accord of seamless complexity and delectable weight of fruit.

Merlot for seductive softness and early drinking appeal, the harvest of vines along Long Gully Rd, treated to the richness of barrel ferments and a tender term of age in a selection of seasoned and new, French and American oak. Deep red in colour, redolent of freshly picked berries and piquant anise spice, layered with punnets of red and black currants, the ripeness of fleshy plums, milk coffee, carob and cassis, a youthful Merlot style, supported by a seamless structure of fine silky tannins and aromatic cedar oak, McLaren Vale in a chocolate box.

Sparky Marquis is left handed, he worked in fine restaurants as a Maitre D' to pay his way through college, before returning to the family business of viticulture and establishing Mollydooker, not far from the parents vineyards at the eminent Fox Creek. An inventory of parcels from Coppermine and Ryans Road, Martins and Long Gully Road, barrel fermented an matured in a high proportion of French and American oak. Awash with brambleberry, dark currants, plummyness and cerise, lingering on a course of soft chamois tannins.

Gigglepot is a vibrant and effusive expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, charming and elegant, full of personality, a dazzling effulgence of fruit picked off the Rivers Lane vineyard in McLaren Vale. Vinified and matured in the finest American oak barrels, half of which are completely new. Briars, mocha and mint, rhubarb, cherry and creamy cassis over a supportive tapestry of delicate coconut oak, Gigglepot is fashioned to enthuse the splendour of superior vineyard McLaren Vale Cabernet to beam brilliantly and assuredly shine.

The pick of crop from the Gateway and Rivers Lane vineyards in McLaren Vale, barrel fermented and matured in the luxury of mostly new French and American oak. The most superior estate parcel of Cabernet, over a backbone of Carnival of Love Shiraz. Inky, dense hues. Fragrant bright red fruit nose, blackberries and plum jam. Well guided by precise tannins, the captivating interplay between Cabernet and Shiraz offers a sophisticated mix of plum and mocha, beside raspberries and clove, complexity and elegance before a well balanced finish.

The most extravagant celebration of McLaren Vale Shiraz, crafted from a meticulous hand picking of fruit, grown to the resplendent Gateway vineyard at Seaview, fermented and matured within the opulence of exclusively new American oak. Raspberry richness and fully fleshed plum, a twist of the pepper mill and curls of cinnamon oak, the full spectrum of Shiraz flavours from cherries to chocolate, currants, mocha and spice. An outstanding articulation of balance and poise, the lingering, intensely berry compote finish takes Carnival of Love to where Shiraz excels.

Mollydooker own and operate the most spectacular vineyards, choice sites along the golden mile of McLaren Vale's sainted Seaview Ridge. The closely husbanded Mollydooker vines are sustainably managed and a true labour of love for the viticultural team, proprietors Sarah and Sparky have refused the temptations of enrichment to preserve the integrity of their peerless quality fruit. They have been thrice crowned with the prestigious Bushing King Award, claimed Australian Winemakers of Year and a breathtaking 99 Wine Advocate points.

A breathtaking 16% level of alcohol provides Blue Eyed Boy with a measure of mischief to ingratiate the most demanding and ribald bon vivant. A collation of parcels off a tally of elite sites at Coppermine Road, Long Gully Road and the Mollydooker estate vineyard. Barrel fermented and aged in a high proportion of new American oak. Viscous with luscious layers of berries and peppered plum, espresso and chocolate cream. Full bodied over a backbone of well defined tannins, as the wine fills the mouth and continues to evolve with every glass.

The sublime splendour of Clare Valley Merlot, redolent with perfumes of blueberries, ribena and mint. It's all about the excellence of fruit, crushed and destemmed, the cool picked bunches are macerated for a week, before being treated to a long, languid ferment. Pumpovers and optimally timed extractions are followed by malolactic and fill to a selection of well seasoned French oaks for eighteen months age. Ripe dark cherries on the fully fragrant bouquet, blueberries and plum underpin spice notes and anise, licorice, carob and a whisp of shaved cedar oak.

Clare Valley makes a Shiraz that's renowned throughout the world of wine, a stunningly perfumed style of blueberries, lithe pepper and fragrant mint. Redolent yet powerfully structured, elegant and refined, there's a never ending quest to identify and establish extraordinary new vineyards. Mocandunda represent generations of viticulture, a passionate team with the expertise and savvy to plant on a hand chosen site that's Shangri la for Clare Valley Shiraz. Its length of opaque, juicy winegum fruit, supported by tradewind spice and cosset of black velvet tannins.

Mocandunda was planted to a stony ridge, at 450 metres altitude, a place of warm, sun drenched daylight hours, followed by the sobering cool of cloudless nights. A choice block atop the stony ridge was sown to a very special clone, a patch of red loamy clays, given pride of place for the realization of statuesque Cabernet Sauvignon wines. An extended term in the luxury of artisanally coopered French oak, completes an opulent style of Cabernet, its sublime seamlessness and exemplary integration, the ultimate indulgence of boot polish tannins, black bramble berries and urbane ebony oak.

One must have the courage to stand up for one's beliefs and not conform to mediocrity. Serpico was a famous New York cop who wasn't afraid to work against the system, he succeeded in exposing much of the injustice and inequity. Mitolo take Serpico's example to step outside the constraints of established style and redefine the accepted genre of Australian Cabernet. Serpico is made to the Amarone technique of drying grapes before fermenting, concentrating flavours, building great intensity and forming the silkiest tannins.

Every Shiraz grape grown by Mitolo is cultivated and nurtured with passion and zeal, sparing no effort or resource to ensure that the best of everything is brought together to construct wines of elegance, purity and power. Savitar is the flagship Mitolo Shiraz, a tightly structured wine produced by maestro Ben Glaetzer in very limited qualities. Savitar features heady aromas and a powerful yet elegant multi dimensional palate. Shiraz is sourced from a single superb site, the elite Lopresti Vineyard's Chinese Block in Willunga, at the southern end of McLaren Vale.

An exclusive assemblage of the most elite parcels, picked off a tally of the finest rows Shiraz on the Chinese and Sandra's blocks at Aldinga and Willunga. Remarkable for its opulence, seamlessness, linearity and textural aplomb, Marsican is defined by the richness of ripe black fruits, olive tapenade savouryness and fragrance of freshly milled tradewind spice. A long cool ferment and gentle press, before being treated to the luxury of completely new French oak for eighteen months, followed by a rigorous cull to determine the most outstanding barrels for inclusion into Marsican Shiraz.

Whether it's the care taken by Frank Mitolo in the vineyard, or the excellence of Ben Glaezter's skill at making icon wines, each edition of Mitolo is nurtured and developed with a zeal and passion that spares no effort to ensure that the best of everything is brought together to formulate wines of elegance, purity and power. Jester is matured in the same barrels that have been used for prior vintages of Mitolo's most auspicious editions of Shiraz. Jester is upfront and personable for early enjoyment, it over delivers in terms of quality and style.

Monarcho was the most eccentric of all jesters at the court of Elizabeth I. He was the only fool ever named by Shakespeare and is featured in Loves Labour Lost. The blue attired Monarcho was more intelligent and politically aware than his behaviour suggested. A fifth of fruit in Jester Cabernet has been treated to the painstaking Amarone technique, drying grapes on open racks to concentrate flavour and soften the tannins. Jester is upfront and approachable for early appreciation, an accessible, mouth filling Cabernet wine.

From fruit grown to the Chinese Block on Lopresti vineyard in Willunga district at the southern end of McLaren Vale. Soils are heavy grey loam over sandstone intermixed with black Biscay clay, a hungry earth which naturally controls yield. The climate mirrors that of the Mediterranean, warm days and cool nights ensure even ripening and development of rich fruit flavours. GAM is opulent and robust, a Shiraz of great richness that's multilayered with complexity, it nevertheless retains a measure of finesse and the characteristic Mitolo softness.

From a single parcel of vine at the southern end of McLaren Vale near the seaside town of Willunga, paradoxically known to the vignerons as Sandra. Fruit is gently crushed and pumped over for ten days of ferment, followed by eighteen months in a selection of mostly seasoned French oak, aimed at preserving the feminity of a distinctly supple block of Shiraz. Prettily perfumed of ripe backcurrants, mintyness, espresso and plum, her moreish chocolate box flavours are beautifully balanced by crisp morello acidity and supported by grippy, savoury tannins.

Fashioned from the pick of parcels, a collation of deep, dry farmed old vines grown to deep Blewitt Spring sands, conjoined with harvests from the balmy Biscay clays on the coast of Gulf St Vincent. Grenache plays the leading role, a dark cherry lift with a seductive mid palate, Shiraz contributes juicy mouth feel, dark fruits and earthy olive tapenade characters. Sagrantino, adds beautiful dry earth, cigar box-like savoury lift with those signature tannins giving a drying, snappy finish.

A flagship Victoran effort, traditionally crafted from Shiraz grapes picked off the oldest and most superior blocks within the Mitchelton estate vineyard. The vines receive little water so they drive their gnarled roots deep down through the sandy soil layers in search of moisture. These veteran vines are naturally devigorated and unirrigated, meticulosuly managed by hand, ensuring precious yields of small, intensely flavoured berries which are reserved for the creation of this eminent edition of Victorian Shiraz.

For those who believe that Australia makes an inimitable style of big red wine which could never have evolved elsewhere in the world of wine, Mitchelton presents Nero D’Avola. A boldly flavoured and opulently proportioned varietal that's dear to the hearts of Sicilians, it makes a wine of astonishing similarity to the earthy, mouth filling growths which gladden the palates of new world Syrah enthusiasts. Brimming with seasoned black berry characters, cherries and plum, Nero D’Avola's persistence of fruit and redolence of fragrant spice, resolves on a warm, savoury length of dark, bramble tannins.

The opulence of mature vines Shiraz, grown to the fertile blocks along Goulburn River, banked by mighty red gums and surrounded by propitious billabongs, an essential part of the terroir and clime which make the wines of Mitchelton so structured and refined. Goulburn is a shangri la for winegrowing, harvests are measured but the quality of fruit is breathtaking. Redolent of spice and juicy black plums, mullberries and milkbox, reductions and fruit, supported by the leather savouryness of ripe oak tannins, Shiraz which defines the enduring Victorian style, generously proportioned yet elegant and poised.

Cabernet Sauvignon are among the earliest planting at Mitchelton, they have thrived under the balmy climes and yield an outstanding harvest with each vintage. A compilation of fruit from some of the oldest blocks have been treated to a traditional vinification and term of age in the pick of luxury oak barriques. Elegantly structured, intense savoury aromas are complemented by sweet leather and musk, the palate is all about concentrated black and red fruits layered over tasty tar and savoury black olives, fine, chewy tannins draw the palate out to exquisite length.

Half Shiraz with a quarter each Grenache and Mourvedre, all treated to a separate ferment and course of age before assembling into the final Cuvée. Victoria grows structured yet elegant Shiraz, the Rhonesque Mourvedre and Grenache require a sultry clime to encourage full development of piquant varietal characters, Mitchelton's plenitude of scenic lakes provide the optimal environment. An engaging mix of juicy red fruits and ripe black cherry, mocha notes and exotic spice, layers of complexity over a length of lovely silky tannins, coating the palate with peppery bramble, seamless and refined.

Clare Valley Cabernet at its finest, an elegant wine of power and grace, fully evolved after a spell of bottle age under the Mitchell estate cellars. The Sevenhill property was a pioneering homestead, it has supported orchards and vineyards since the 1860s, ulimately replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon in the early 1980s. These vines are now fully mature and yield the most exquisite fruit. Even in its youth, Sevenhill displays magnificent structure, the palate is brimming with cassis cherry flavours and ripe currant notes, before resolving on a soundly savoury tannin finish.

Yes there really is an old pepper tree which grows on the Mitchell Watervale vineyard, a happy coincidence, as the nose and palate exhibits the exemplary varietal spice and pepper characters of super fine Shiraz. Vinfied from the fruit of vines up to fifty years of age or more, the amiable Peppertree is full flavoured and features a soft, almost velvety palate, harmoniously integrated and very easy to drink in its youth, with the quality and structure to mature gracefully while developing wonderful complexities.

Ever since establishment in 1851, it has been central to Mission Estate's philosophy, that managing vineyards to holistic old world practices affords the greatest opportunity to yield truly splendid Rhône Valley styled Syrah. A great vineyard remains essential but the health of soil and sanctity of local fauna are integral to harvests of the most exquisite fruit. A beautifully redolent Syrah, perfumed of blackberry, violets and dark plum, tastefully framed by creamy wafers of toasted nutty oak, delicately seasoned by a twist of piquant white pepper and savoury sasafras curl.

From a single elite parcel in the Cromwell basin of Central Otago, a challenging site of gravel clays which encourage the vines to struggle for their nourishment, yielding limited harvests of intensely flavoured Pinot Noir. Grapes are all hand picked and completely destemmed for several days of ferment and a fortnight on skins, followed by a year's age in exclusively French oak. Richly perfumed of cherries and dark festive fruits, its ripe, full bodied palate of forest floor, licorice and stalk, undulates over a lingering length of delicious, gummy tannins.

From the Mission’s Cable Station Road block in Awatere Valley, a gently sloping, free draining site with dry climate, yielding a low crop of small bunches and tiny berries of intense flavour. Fruit is cold soaked for three days and pumped over throughout a fortnight of ferments, pressed and treated to an extended maceration, followed by a judicious term of maturation to achieve a forward drinking, fruit driven Marlborough Pinot Noir style. An abundance of sweet fruit and ripe silky tannins, sound structure and a long, fruit filled finish.

Real new world Syrah, crafted to the old world style of French Trapis pioneers who founded Mission Estate in 1851. Fruit is sourced from the Bridge Pa triangle and warm inland sites, fortuitously sheltered from the prevailing sea breezes, perfect for the Syrah to ripen superbly, infusing fine aromatics and building ripe, supple tannins. A soft, fruit driven palate of superb persistence, fashioned to a medium bodied style of freshness and seamlessness, expressing fully the magnificence of Hawkes Bay Syrah, a profound depth of flavour and generous length.

Millbrook is a boutique winery situated in the historic town of Jarrahdale on the Perth Hills. The origins of the estate's Chestnut Farm winery date back to the nineteenth century when the original owner, Joseph Batt, planted an orchard and the first grapevines in 1860. Today's Millbrook has been specially designed for high quality, small batch wine production. Barking Owl over delivers in terms of balance and generous fruit, a long, savoury finish with an added dimension of oak and complexity at the close of this wonderful Shiraz.

Mildara was at the vanguard of the rediscovery of the Coonawarra region. In 1953 Mildara's Ron Haselgrove bought 12,735 litres of Coonawarra red wine from Bill Redman. Ron loved Redman's wine so much, hewas inspired in 1955 to purchase Mildara's first 12.5ha of the Coonawarra's famous Terra Rossa soil. This latest release is a luscious woody fruity wine with elements of earth, chocolate sponge and red berries.

The top contender for the most exceptional value in outstanding yet underrated Australian red wine. Mr Press planted vines on a choice piece of Adelaide Hills in 1998, with a view to retiring off the fruit of decades of viticultural experience. The uncanny synergy between Mike Press and the Adelaide Hills yields a remarkable quality of Shiraz, which has claimed a breathtaking tally of international wine show accolades, Best Wine under $20 at the Edinburgh Great Shiraz Challenge, Best Shiraz and Best Wine at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show.

The secret to the peerless quality of Mike Press wines lies in a closely nurtured vineyard, several decades of viticultural experience and a commitment to the joy of winemaking. He established his homestead Kenton Valley vineyard at Lobethal, high up the Adelaide Hills in 1998, to focus on growing the finest fruit. Pinot Noir performs magnificently here, Press adores the authenticity of the great Burgundy Crus, he painstakingly husbands his vines to the most exacting regimens, for the realization of a pastoral Pinot Noir, redolent of the barnyard, spiced plum and raspberry coulis fruits.

After several decades of crafting Australia's most memorable vintages, Mike Press is more sanguine than ever that great wine can only come from the finest vineyards. His dedicated hands on approach means that he is personally involved in every stage of the winemaking, from pruning the vines and inspecting grapes, right to plunging the ferments and bottling his finished wine. An apprentice of the great Max Schubert, Mike Press made history in 2006 for coming within a whisper of the Jimmy Watson Trophy with an unlabelled cleanskin wine.

Mike Press knows about red wine, he learned his craft at Penfolds while working alongside the man who created the mighty Grange, before completing tours of duty at Krondorf, Seppelt and Mildara Blass. He also has a good eye for the land, selecting a choice site in Adelaide Hills which yields superior harvests of Cabernet Sauvignon. Such was the quality of fruit grown to the single precious vineyard at Lobethal, that Mike Press received overwhelming critical acclaim and several conspicuous wine show triumphs for his first ever vintage.

Metala was the first ever to win Jimmy Watson Trophy, a significant accolade in the world of wine. Fruit for the White Label is sourced from splendid Langhorne Creek vines which can trace a heritage back to the original plantings of 1891. In its day, originally crafted by the current winemaker's forebears, the century old block at Metala Creek still contributes grapes. An Australian classic, internationally lauded and perennially feted, Metala is brimming with mouthfilling berry flavours, seasoned by regional eucalpt and mint, lined with a fine touch of supple oak.