Small parcels of fruit from old dry grown vines are selected for their intensity of flavour and individual qualities. Complex and concentrated this classic Barossan will continue to develop for a decade at least.

Based at their Home of the Brave winery in the Barossa, First Drop describe their wine-making philosophy as a sensibility for tradition with a passion for innovation. The Cream is blended at the optimum time from the best barrels from First Drops most prized vineyards to create the ultimate expression of Barossa Shiraz from the vintage.

Penfolds RWT Shiraz is a big juicy Barossan Shiraz refined by the use of older French oak barrels. 1998 is considered to be one of the classic vintages of the modern age. Drinking wonderfully now but with many years still to come in its development, this is a great addition to any cellar.

THE STANDISH WINE COMPANY The Schubert Theorem Shiraz, Barossa Valley Dan Standish is indisputably one of the Barossas most celebrated Shiraz producers now. Joe Czerwinski has deemed him, the reigning king of Barossa Shiraz. An alumni of Torbreck, Standishs Shiraz expressions are outstanding expressions of a region defined by this wine. The Schubert Theorem is an appropriately powerful composition, made from vines planted over 100 years ago in the Vine Vale region. Standish himself likens The Schubert Theorem to the wines of the Northern Rhône. It is basket-pressed and aged in French oak for 30 months. Inky, deep purple juice is as intense as it looks. Rich Black Forest fruit and aniseed marry with spice, earth and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is decadent and opulent, rich with juicy black fruits, plum and liquorice. This is a superbly concentrated wine, the structure showcasing exceptional fruit purity. The finish is incredibly long and powerfulif only it could go on forever.

Wynns Michael Shiraz is a 'best-of-vintage' Shiraz from Wynns vineyard sites in Coonawarra and is named after David Wynn's youngest son. Made in the years that best show Coonawarra's unique terroir, this latest release displays the qualities that have made the 'Michael' one of the most highly regarded of all Australian Shiraz with aromas of red currants, cherries and raspberry that mesh every so well with the olive and white spice characters. The palate follows with an elegant structure bursting with dark brooding spice and succulent ripe tannins.

This iconic label by Yalumba has a proud history from it's first release in 1962. Quite possibly the quintessential Australian Shiraz Cabernet blend, 'The Sig' shows vibrant Barossa aromas of dark fruit and spice and a concentrated palate that is long and deeply flavoured. With the ability to age wonderfully well, The Signature is a deserving part of any wine aficionado's collection.

Sourced from dry-grown, hand tended vines in the north east of Victoria, this Beechworth Chardonnay from Savaterre will surely convince even the most hardened Chardonnay critic that modern Australian Chardonnay is of supreme world-class standard. Keppell Smith handcrafts a Chardonnay of utmost power and concentration that produces a length of flavour that borders on the immortal.

The Glaetzer family have been part of the Barossa winemaking scene since 1888 and now Ben takes over the reigns and produces Shiraz of the utmost intensity and concentration. Named after the ancient Egyptian god Amon-Ra who was the champion of the poor and troubled and was central to personal piety, the temple of Amon-Ra is believed to be the first to plant a vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple. This incarnation is rich, full-bodied and viscous to the palate, yet with sublime oak integration and a balance on the back palate that is quite lifted allowing it to be paired with many meals and a prime candidate for medium to long term cellaring.