An exceptional Barossan Shiraz from the artisan cult producer, Spinifex. The Miette (mee-yet) Shiraz has a delightful balance and charm with flavours of cherry, blueberry and hints of earthy spice, held by finely structured tannins. Succulent, layered and fleshy, the Miette label is a great introduction to the hand-crafted wines from Spinifex.

Rockbare's second label, Mojo Shiraz punches way above it's weight in the quality division. Rich and ripe, this versatile wine would not be out of place at the dinner table or at a BBQ.

Aromas of plums, spice and background peppery hints lead to a richly flavoured palate of blackberry, plum and anise fruits. Firm, supportive tannins will hold this release in good stead for further cellaring.

Barwang, value-for-money and consistency all go hand-in-hand. It's the hallmark of a winery that is producing some fantastic wines at great prices at the moment. Their Shiraz shows ripe blackberry fruit flavours that are supported by some savoury and spicy undertones. This is wine that continually over delivers for its price, the same can also be said of the entire Barwang range.

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.

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.

The Craiglee vineyard was established in the 1860's, and replanted in 1976 by the current winemaker, Patrick Carmody. All wines are made from estate grown fruit using natural processes that reflect the flavours specific to the site. This is an iconic Victorian wine that features a trademark of pronounced cracked black pepper.

Rich, sweet cherry and blackberry fruits overlay the supple palate. Subtle use of oak adds fine soft tannins to this well-structured wine.

Produced from one of Australia's premier Shiraz growing regions, McLaren Vale, comes Woodstock Shiraz. A big, richly flavoured Shiraz with spice and red berry fruit flavours. Sweet, ripe tannins and a complex acid structure gives the wine brilliant concentration and complexity. A perfect medium term cellaring option.

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.