RIDGE VINEYARDS Lytton Springs Zinfandel Petite Syrah Carignan, Sonoma

Lifted pure fruit characters of plum and other black fruits. Dark fruit notes balance out the palate with new oak complexity and long, rich finish.

The Langi Shiraz block at Mount Langi Ghiran is planted with Swiss clone material originally sourced from nearby Bests Concongella Vineyard. Postmodern vinification includes open fermentation with some whole bunch and regular hand plunging, followed by partial barrel fermentation. Maturation takes place for around 14 months in new (45%) and seasoned French oak. The expressive Langi Shiraz is typified by ethereal blackberry, brambly dark cherry and pepper aromas, supple textures and underlying savoury oak.

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.

Henschke Mount Edelstone is one of the most important single vineyard sites in Australia. The 90 year old vines has been producing a single vineyard Shiraz since 1952 and is one of Australia's truly great wines. The nose has sweet ripe plum and blueberry aromas and the palate is intense and deeply flavoured. While enjoyable upon release, this is a wine that will enjoy a decade or more in the cellar.