Yacca Paddock vineyard, owned by international film makers, Scott Hicks and Kerry Heysen-Hicks, is situated at Kuitpo in the south west escarpment of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Planted in 2000, vines are east facing with site temperatures some 2.5 degrees cooler on average than McLaren Vale which, as a crow flies, is just 5km away. The 2016 Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo was fermented in a 5 tonne open fermenter, resting on skins for 7 days, followed by membrane bag pressing. Fermentation was completed in 33% new French oak with the balance 2 year old French oak. Post malo, the wine was left on its gross lees for a couple of months to add texture and creaminess to the palate. A wonderfully textural, stylish wine, with natural fruit sweetness and elegance, the Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo characteristically displays savoury tannins, dried herb undertones, and highlights sweet tart red cherry flavours. Drink with food.

Vital, youthful and vigorous. Joven-style Tempranillo with bright, punchy fruit aromatics of damson plum and mulberry that sit above darker dried herb and wood smoke notes. Mid-weight palate with lively red berry and tart stone fruit flavours that mesh with nervy, bright fruit acids and light, snappy tannins. Harvested from a single, elevated vineyard in the southern Barossa foothills. Handpicked early in the season to capture lively fruit and retain natural fruit acids, selected bunches were fully destemmed prior to fermentation in a small open fermenter. The young wine was allowed to mature on its lees for six months prior to bottling without filtration. Spinifex was started in 2001 with the opportunity to source some great old vine Mataro growing in deep white drift-sand on the Barossa Valleys Western Ridge. Owned by husband and wife team, Peter Schell and Magali Gely, their focus is on regional wines from the traditional Mediterranean grape varieties that have been grown successfully in Australia for over 150 years - Shiraz, Mataro, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne and Semillon. They aim to make wines that display signatures of vineyard provenance and vintage, show regional typicity and have a consistent thread of 'house style' that reflects their preferences and experiences with wine. The wines they choose to make are predominately blends, the synergies derived from blending wines of differing character enhance the subtle complexities, even textures and profound personalities delivered from great old vine vineyards.

Pomegranate, violets and spicy peppers. Medium-bodied, savoury and rich, cherry and red berry notes, silky tannins, fine boned structure.

La Linea Tempranillo has floral aromas, with notes of raspberry, mulberry and cherry, and hints of sage and rosemary. Savoury and complex yet fresh, with distinctive fine tannins, it will age for some years.

Chris Taylor and his Quattro Mano wines have certainly made their mark on the modern Australian wine scene. Using 'alternate' Mediterranean varieties like this Tempranillo, Taylor handcrafts flavoursome and yet medium to full-bodied wines of utmost character. This Novillo Temp is choc full of dark berries, liquorice and that traditional hint of cola. Simply delectable.

Cedar, touches of tobacco and glac cherry on the nose. The palate is gentle and medium bodied, very savoury, showing dark cherries, vanilla, black olives and nuttiness. A classy wine.

Spanish big guns, Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja region that will defy all expectations. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. Brilliantly structured with life in front of it that will stretch with ease to 2025. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.