From Orange in NSW, this Shiraz is a good introduction to the qualities of this emerging area. It shows aromas of plum and spices and the palate is all about the fruit with little intrusive oak.

The 864 range of wines by David Bicknell at Oakridge showcase the very best vineyards at the disposal of this talented winemaker. The 864 Syrah is sourced from a vineyard that is located at the foot of the Warramate Hills at Coldstream and face due north, taking full advantage of the cool Yarra Valley sunlight. The soils are built on grey-loam alluvial with both high clay and ironstone content. This results in a Syrah that displays a bright purple colour in the glass which is followed up with aromas of ripe red fruit and subtle anise. The palate has a core of sweet Shiraz fruit showing red and black berries and a tannin structure that is both velvety and smooth.

The Savaterre vineyard is elevated at 430m above sea level and is farmed along organic principles. No pesticides are used. An incredibly complex, lifted, lively and intense nose. Exotic aromas of smoked meats, dried red rose, allspice, clove, dark plum, dark cherry ,blackberry, mulberry, mandarin, violets, sandalwood, bay and funky undergrowth. This aroma really revs me up, it continues to evolve as time goes by. This wine is alive! Complexity, poise, sinewy acid, fine tannins wrapped around a sleek core of pristine dark fruit. A wine thats slightly reduced and smelling of undergrowth now that transforms in the glass and continues to seduce. This is Terroir. This is Savaterre.

Though part of the Barossa, the Eden Valley is a slightly cooler climate than the neighbouring Barossa Valley, so generally produce Shiraz that is slightly more elegant in style. That said, the Eden Hall Shiraz is a wine that is not only rich, vibrant and full of life today, it will also hang in for the long haul.

The trailblazers of the Adelaide Hills have created another outstanding wine. A superb expression of modern cool-climate Shiraz; Shaw & Smith is elegantly spicy and brimming with supple red-fruit flavours matched by fine tannins. An absolute ripper.

Bowen Estate Shiraz shared similar firm structure as it's sibling, the Cabernet Sauvignon. It's lifted aromas of ripe black fruits, warming spices and hint of earthy background makes it a welcoming drink with hearty food.

From the stable of Devils Lair, Fifth Leg is a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot that is a soft and supple drink-now style. The quality of the Margaret River fruit gives it flavour which will appeal to the serious red wine drinker as well.

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.

Produced from a mature low yielding vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale, Gemtree Uncut Shiraz is a superb expression of the region. Generous dark fruits abounds on the palate with fine tannins and balanced acidity, which leads to a lengthy finish.

Brokenwood Shiraz is a ripe and generous Shiraz with lifted cherry and mint aromas nicely balanced with sweet chocolate notes on the nose and a soft rich palate with savoury cedary flavours and fine grained tannins on the finish.