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Balthazar was the last of the Babylonian kings whose empire ended after he drank from a mythical sacred chalice. A fascination with ancient history and an appreciation of the deep sense of irony that befalls those who choose their drinks - and drinking vessels - unwisely, prompted the name. concentrated and generous blackberry, dark cherry, plum & dark chocolate flavours balanced by velvety tannins and savoury oak complexity delivering texture and structure on the long, persisting palate.

Peter Lehmann is able to capture the soft and elegant side of the Barossa Valley with all its diversity and quality of landscapes within this magnificent wine, the 8 Songs Shiraz. Born out of Peter Lehmann's love of art and music, this award winning wine was inspired by an operatic artwork, 'Eight Songs for a Mad King'.

Yalumba Paradox Shiraz is an inky, crimson wine full of aromas of mixed spice and crushed black pepper, violets, fennel and hints of blueberries. The palate is like layers of velvet, with great structure showing lush red berries, olives and anise.

Created in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine that reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of South Australia's Coonawarra district and the relatively elegant style of cool climate Shiraz. From the 1980 vintage, French oak replaced American, highlighting the pepper, spice and floral characteristics that define this style. Since the mid-1980s, a greater attention has been paid to fruit ripeness, resulting in a wine that is fuller in style and structure.

Frux Frugis is Latin for fruit of the earth and is sourced from Old Vines from the finest parcels of Shiraz from the Ulithorne Vineyards. With a palate of plums, subtle spices, structural tannin and exceptionally long length, this vintage of Frux Frugis shows the reward which wonderful weather and well tended vines can bring to a wine.

Made from low yielding vineyards at Moonambel in the Pyreness district of central Victoria, Dalwhinnie is an example of how good Victorian Shiraz can be. Tremendous depth of flavour running the gammet from red currants to dark plums, spice and mineral. The plentiful tannins are absorbed by the fruit and the finish is long and lingering.

Teusner Albert Shiraz is made from old vines in the northern Barossa; rich black fruits and tarry cassis with smoky undertones, the finish is long and luscious. Could easily be cellared for the medium term.

Margaret River is an under appreciated region for Australian Shiraz, and it's hard to see why with Cape Mentelle's Shiraz showing a vibrant core of blueberry, mulberry and hints of raspberry. It is well balanced with cocoa and savoury oak. The palate yet, is fine, elegant and focussed, finishing with chalky and structural tannins.

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.

This Shiraz Viognier is produced at one of Orange's premium vineyards. From an accomplished veteran winemaker.