RIDGE VINEYARDS Lytton Springs Zinfandel Petite Syrah Carignan, Sonoma

St Hallett Old Block Shiraz, first vintage 1980, is a stalwart of the Barossa and a stalwart of Langton's Classification of Australian Wine. A blend of oldvine Shiraz (average age 90 years) from key sites in the Barossa and Eden Valleys, Old Block is one of Barossas finest.

Elegant and aristocratic kaleidoscope of aromas, an abundance of fruit flavours, blackberry, mulberry and blueberry with supporting complexity of mint, eucalypt, rhubarb, Turkish delight and cinnamon. The palate offers a rich tapestry of enjoyment and fulfilment of flavours of raspberry, strawberry and boysenberry to name a few. Made by Jim Barry.

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier began its life after a career defining trip to the Côte-Rôtie in the mid 90s which set Tim Kirk on the journey towards producing one of Australia's best Shiraz. Determined to show that Australia could produce elegant but still powerful Shiraz, Tim's work has paid off with his flagship being acclaimed worldwide. In only 15 years, the Shiraz Viognier has attained 'Exceptional' status with Langton's, the highest possible.

ALTERA TERRA Fidelis Shiraz, Murrumbateman, McLaren Vale

The utterly sublime and exhilarating Langi Shiraz is typified by ethereal blackberry/ brambly/ dark cherry/ pepper/ violet aromas and flavours, supple textures, mid-palate buoyancy and underlying savoury oak. The grapes come from the "Langi Shiraz" block planted with "Swiss Clone material originally sourced from nearby Best's Concongella Vineyard. The granitic soils and cold south-westerlies are influential in producing its distinctive flavour profile. Meticulous attention to detail are behind the winemaking. After a cold soak the fruit (some whole bunch) is open-fermented with regular hand plunging. Some components complete fermentation in barrel. The wine is aged for around 14 months in new (45%) and seasoned French oak.

The Torbreck Descendant has a powerful nose of blackberry and tar complemented by floral lavender and a violet lift. Full-bodied and concentrated with ripe silky tannins and plenty of extract this wine has a great future ahead.