Its fair to say Luke Lambert hasn't looked back since 'relocating' his Syrah to the Tibooburra vineyard. This southwest sloping site lies in the southeastern corner of the Valley, near Gembrook, and might be the coolest microclimate of the Yarra. The site is expertly managed by Greg Kerr, the grower who planted the vineyard in 2001. The soils here are considered very unusual for the Yarra, comprising a seam of black volcanic topsoil over yellow clay with a smattering of granite rock throughout. Furthermore, the quality of the clonal material in Tibooburra supplies Lambert with deeper and darker Syrah fruit that also has more depth and structure. This is what drew him to the site and a good chunk of the reason the Syrah has become a touchstone example of cool-climate Yarra Shiraz.

V & A Lane is named after a long straight road that dissects Coonawarras renowned terra rossa strip. A historical location, first surveyed in 1851, it has long been used as a landmark setting out the northern and southern ends of Coonawarra. The V & A Lane Shiraz is a classic Coonawarra style, showing ample blue and blackberry fruit and supple silky tannins.

Medium-deep ruby, with a strong, vibrant centre. Classic varietal aromas of cassis and ripe berries with a touch of leafiness. The palate is medium to full-bodied and well-structured. Perfectly ripe, full of cassis and smoky oak with a pronounced fruit profile.

Cape Mentelle has a rich history of exceptional quality and consistency with Cabernet Sauvignon, from a pioneering producer in Margaret River in the early 1970s to a benchmark winery today. A full-bodied wine with intense blue and black berry preserves on entry, followed by tobacco, savoury and gamey layers, all framed by firm, ripe tannins creating a complex wine of length.

The bouquet is layered with abundant aroma's of plum pudding, cigar box, blackberries & chocolate. It has an excellent length of flavour, velvety tannins and hints of smoky oak. 71% Shiraz and 29% Cabernet Sauvignon are separately fermented & matured in a combination of new French & American oak before final blending.

THE STORY WINES R. Lane Vintners Westgate Vineyard Syrah, Grampians