Hardys Upper Tintara Shiraz McLaren Vale From the premium stable of Hardys Tintara Sub-Regional series comes the Upper Tintara Shiraz. This range has a singular goal of allowing the nuances of McLaren Vales sub regions shine, and the terroir of the Upper Tintara is manifest in this sublime Shiraz. Sourced from high-grade vines chosen for their exceptional fruit, this is a Shiraz of gorgeous purity, a millefeuille of red and black fruits, and a touch of spice. Its deep and rich, with whispers of mocha, olives and charcuterie meats. The real surprise is a dance-on-the-palate acidity. Fully formed, but still refreshing, it will elegantly reward 15 years of cellaring.

Ernest Allan Rivers was a market gardener and vigneron, he was also the grandfather of Melissa Brown, Gemtree proprietor and biodynamic viticulturist. Ernest Allan Shiraz is a wine that celebrates and validates the relationship between the earth and the vine.

Re-tasted on 07/06/2022 Magnificent colour displaying a pitch black core with a very deep black dark red hue. Pronounced black cherry, liquorice and black plum aromas are overlaid by scorched earth and smoked meats followed by spicy vanillin cedar and pepper notes. Tightly built rich black cherry and liquorice flavours dominate over inky earth, lightly scorched vanillin cedar, dried meats and blackpepper. Dry grippy finish with tightly grained tannins. Rich yet elegant and muscular in its feel. Good underlying power with a long black cherry, liquorice, smoky vanillin cedar, dried meats and earthy pepper aftertaste. Cellar 8-10 years. Alc. 14.5%

This wine is a fantastic example of the diversity in style that can be achieved with McLaren Vale Grenache by focusing on single vineyard wines from some of the region's finest sub-zones of Clarendon.

In the glass the 2010 S has a black core with a deep red rim. There are elegant aromas of red black fruits, and spicy earthy notes with a hint of grilled meats, graphite and controlled oak. On the palate the fruit continues with rich plums, and blueberries and delicate spice and chocolate which all roll on to a juicy palate with fine tannins that go on ... and on. Smidge recommends drinking this wine betwen 2014 and 2030.

Mitolo Wines is a family owned business, borne of and led by the founder and owner Frank Mitolo's vision; to create a range of wines of individuality, integrity and utmost quality. The G.A.M. is deep purple, the nose is an intense combination of smoked herbs, liquorice and blackcurrants leading to a full bodied palate with notes of cassis and cracked pepper. Premium McLaren Vale at its best.

The pinnacle of Chapel Hill's best parcels of red come together to form The Vicar, a prestige full blooded McLaren Vale Shiraz of great distinction. Painstakingly chosen from selected single-vineyard McLaren Vale sites, The Vicar is overflowing with ripe mulberry and licquorice flavours interlinked with sublime oak influence from over 80% French oak influence.

Part of Two Hands super-premium, single vineyard range, this classic McLaren Shiraz style has nuanced blueberry, mocha and spice characters. Always made to be plush, rich and smooth, the Lily's Garden never seems to be void of any complexity though. Super long length and superb tannin structure also help the McLaren Vale beauty truly sing.

The Hill Block straddles the ridge running through the Chapel Hill estate. The wine was then aged for 19 months in 100% tight grained French oak. The proportion of new oak was kept low to encourage the continued expression of the characters that are unique to the vineyard site.