When it comes to the quality and price ($320 a bottle!) of this outstanding Shiraz, the term Super Premium is an understatement. The story of this winery began in, you guessed it, 1847. After the proclamation of a land grant by the Governor for the historic Rowland Flat property, Bavarian immigrant Johann Gramp planted what was the first commercial vineyard in the Barossa Valley. 1847 winery now encompasses some 200 acres of premium estate vineyards. “There's a bright, spicy crunch to the best of '17 Barossa shiraz. This is a refreshingly medium-bodied style laced with red cherries, greengage plums and a hint of black pepper. Tangy acid line and a fine tannin grid carry a finish of impressive persistence... 95pts” (Halliday Wine Companion, Tyson Stelzer).

A significant contribution of fruit from vines which are 100 years old make this one very special blend indeed. There’s a class and sophistication to what is a delicious medium bodied and brightly fruited red. Its savoury nature is so moreish and this really does offer a great alternate red wine drinking experience. Alex Head - Head Wine Winemaker - The Barossa Valley has been witness to the coming of a ‘new wave’ or ‘new breed’ of young talented winemakers. We’ve been intently following Alex Head throughout this time, producing a unique set eye opening Barossan wines, inspirationally drawn from his passion towards Northern Rhone Syrah. Soil and aspect is therefore very much key, imparting style and character and this new release Head Red is no exception.

Keyneton Euphonium is a beautiful composition of shiraz from up to 50-year-old vines growing in the Eden and Barossa Valleys, blended with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc from selected vineyards in both regions. A classy red from an iconic producer. Deep garnet with pale garnet hues. Lifted aromas of red plum, mulberry, blackcurrant and black pepper, with supporting notes of thyme, bay leaf, charcuterie and cedary oak. A concentrated and powerful palate of mouth-watering ripe plum, blackberry and black and red currant, balanced by savoury white pepper, anise and tarragon, fresh and buoyant acidity and an exceptionally long, fine tannin finish.

For a small winemaker, Woods Crampton has achieved a lot in a small amount of time. Part of the Barossa new wave, Woods Crampton make contemporary wines, balancing character, complexity and freshness, a world away from the fruit bombs of the past.

Gomersal Wines is nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley and embraces the district's traditional approach to winemaking. Lifted aromas of cherry and spice combine with a palate of dark chocolate, red berries and fine tannins, to produce a full flavoured wine with excellent length.

Chris Ringland's Barossa Ranges Shiraz is steeped in the Barossas post-colonial story and the high art and science of winemaking. Typically deep in colour with intense dark berry, paneforte, espresso roasted chestnut aromas, it displays a plush and concentrated palate with blackberry, mocha, paneforte spicy flavours and dense fine chocolaty tannins. Despite the opulence, flamboyance, richness and concentration, the wine has superb percussion and freshness. The wine is a small vinification of around four to five hogsheads or 1500 litres. The "unusually thick skinned" Shiraz is entirely sourced from Chris Ringland's dry-grown vineyard on the edge of the Barossa Valley, but technically in Eden Valley, along Flaxman's Valley near Randall's Hill. The wine is "painstakingly hand-made" in open fermenters and regularly pumped-over to extract colour, flavour and tannins. After draining and pressing through a traditional basket press, fermentation is completed in 100% new French oak hogsheads. A period of up to 50 months oak maturation follows to achieve optimum complexity and balance between oak and fruit. The extraordinarily high release prices (higher than Penfolds Grange), limited production and reputation make Chris Ringland Barossa Ranges Shiraz the stuff of legend.

St Hugo Cabernet Shiraz displays a dark ruby red with purple hues. The bouquet of dark forest fruits such as plum, blueberry and cassis lead into a beautifully complex palate of blackcurrent, sweet plum and chalky tannins. There is a underlying savoury oak hint and a finish of lingering dark chocolate.

St Hallett and Shiraz goes hand in hand when you start talking about the Barossa. St Hallett Gamekeeper's Shiraz displays lifted and pretty notes of lively purple fruit characters with a delicate hint of violets. Pure red fruits dominate on the palate, with lifted spices of cinnamon. Long, lingering finish.