Clarendon Hills consider themselves vineyard expressionists and seek to portray the story of the individual vineyard 'Terroir' within their wines. Clarendon Hills collection of the old vine vineyards in sub-regions of McLaren Vale assists in defining their international pedigree for making world class wines that rate extremely highly among the international press. Among the 9 single vineyards of Syrah is the Moritz vineyard Syrah which is located within the Kangarilla sub region of McLaren Vale, South Australia. All of the wines at Clarendon Hills are made by hand and are crafted using only natural processes and ingredients to an extremely high standard. Consistent Moritz Syrah characters include smoke and blue berry fruits with black olive tapenade and iodine like mineral resonance throughout the silky palate. The Moritz Syrah is a part of the Clarendon Hills premier cru classification and generally drinks best after 8-10 years in the cellar, when its terroir is formally demonstrated.

The estate was started in 1955. Patrick and Christophe Bonnefond now control 65 acres in northern Rhone of which 18 acres is in Cote Rotie. Colline du Couzou comes from an assemblage of plots in the north and south of the Cote Rotie appellation. The fruit is 80% dedstemmed and consists of 95% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. The wine is aged in small barrels for 18 months.

Allinda is a tiny Yarra Valley estate, and you won't find their wines in too many places, because the quantities are so small. But when you do find them, make sure you stock up, because they are really wonderful. This sumptuous Syrah really impresses with medium to full bodied intense ripe flavour and natural acidity. Ripeness of fruit in the warmish 2016 February has lifted the flavour profile into the mulberry and plum zone so expect less white pepper than other Yarra Valley Syrahs. Allinda has kept it simple with healthy soils, healthy vines, some of the better old school practices, a dash of modern technique and a whole lotta good old winemaking sense. High-quality boutique wine with stacks of Gold wins!

You’ve probably heard of ‘Super Tuscan’ wines (red wines from Tuscany which often include both local and international grapes varieties in the blend). Well, this is the concept behind this new Sicilian star. Winemaker Domenico De Gregorio (known as Mimmo to his friends) calls it a ‘Super Sicilian’. He has taken local charmer Perricone and blended it with dark berry-spiced Syrah and ripe red plum Merlot. The result? A juicy, berry-intense red with a soft, mouth-coating texture. Capturing the warm heart of Sicily, it’s so good, Mimmo put his name on it! Silky-smooth, it’s great to savour slowly on its own. Or why not pair with some delicious Sicilian classics, such as arancini or pasta alla norma (with aubergine), for the best experience?

This juicy ripe red comes from winemaker Stéphane Bouillot. Born in Chablis to a winemaking family with interests not only locally but in the southern Rhône and Provence, he learnt to love both regions. After studying in Beaune, he decided to move south, making fabulous wines from the myriad of terroirs offered there. The grapes come from vineyards at the southernmost end of the Rhône region, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, on the Provence border. Deep ruby, it has complex aromas of jasmine and violets, wild herbs, liquorice, and black cherry. Lush and rounded, it brims with wild berry notes supported by silky tannins and gentle freshness. Great on its own, or with grilled meats and roasted vegetables and couscous.

Sourced from a vineyard nestled in the foothills of the cool southern vales of the Yarra Valley where the grey loam soils show seams of deep red volcanic clay, the 2015 Seville syrah is handpicked, fermented with a high proportion of whole bunches and receives no additions other than a small amount of sulphur dioxide at picking and bottling. It is then aged in older French barrels before being bottled unfiltered and unfined.

The Red Knot Shiraz is set to enshrine this label among the all time bargain greats in Australian wine. Following the ground breaking previous releases, the mass following for this wine is guaranteed to continue. Deep blackberry concentration swathed in supporting red fruits, dark plums, complex spices, and definitely more aniseed in this edition. A Shiraz lover's delight in every way possible!

Fulcrum is the fantastic new venture from Pinot Noir rockstar, William Downie and long time friend and colleague, Jason Searle. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant with varietal characters of plum and earthen spice, Fulcrum Pinot Noir continues to develop in the bottle and is simply a premium wine steal at this price.