While normally associated with Grenache and Shiraz blends, Mourvèdre recently has begun to stand on its own two feet as a stand-alone wine. Quite evocative in nature, Chapel Hill's Mourvèdre is a dark and brooding red with wonderful hints of spice and violet tones. Walking the line between medium and full-bodied, this wouldn't be out of place next to either a thick cut steak or a plate of picked Mediterranean vegetables.

Utilising the winemaking talents of Larry Cherubino and over 40 years of winemaking experience himself, Robert Oatley lends his name to this McLaren Vale Shiraz that has all the hallmarks of an exceptional regional example. Matured for 10 months in French oak and sourced from fruit from around the sub-region of Blewitt Springs, this Shiraz is opulent, fleshy and textured with flavours of blueberries and spice with a lingering, soft finish.

Battle of Bosworth Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine of flavoursome red fruits and currants; firmly structured, very rich and grippy. Deserves to be taken very seriously. Proof of such comes with the Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2011 McLaren Vale Wine Show.

Pirramimma Stock's Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet is deep brick red in colour with lifted fruit on the nose. The palate shows excellent blackcurrant varietal flavour with well integrated American oak. A great wine for the price.

Another impeccably good offering from Chester Osborne combining rich and voluptuous McLaren Vale Shiraz with lifted fragrant Viognier. d'Arenberg is one of the pioneers of this style, the 'Magpie' continues to go from strength to strength.

Planted in the late 19th century, the High Trellis vineyard was the first d'Arenberg vineyard to be trained above knee height. For the past four decades, a Cabernet Sauvignon has been produced from the vineyard to critical acclaim, even winning the Jimmy Watson trophy in 1969. Something that d'Arry reminds current winemaker, and son, Chester about often!

Shingleback have always been known for producing quality McLaren Vale wines at some fantastic prices. Take Red Knot for example! Here they re-launched their estate wines under the 'Davey Estate' label and concentrate on single sites. This Cabernet is wonderfully youthful and full of vibrancy. Fresh black fruit with roasted spice and superbly balanced tannins.

d'Arenberg are quintessential McLaren Vale and the produce wines that reflect their regionality perfectly. Even down to their affordable value for money wines like this Stump Jump GSM blend. A flavoursome, easy drinking style, ripe and juicy with lovely soft tannins and a savoury, earthy touch.

A ¾ tonne bell with the name of 'Angelus' sits proudly atop the cellars at Wirra Wirra and heralds the beginning and end of vintage every year on the famous McLaren Vale estate. Previously the bell rang out from the Jesuit Church in Norwood thrice daily and due to this tradition, Wirra Wirra continue to name the bell and their very best Cabernet Sauvignon every year, The Angelus. Always a pungent and concentrated Cabernet with notes of cassis, cedar and trademark bitter chocolate bound with fine tannins. A propensity to age in the bottle for over a decade as well as its approachability early in life will appeal to all.