Rich and opulent displaying aromas of deep plum and black cherry with hints of complex herb and delicate oak spice. The palate is full flavoured yet elegant with dark fruits and bright red berries, framed by firm, structural tannins and moreish acidity.

ColourVery attractive crimson black colour. DenseAromaVery lifted and perfumed, spicy, almost nutty fruit/ oak complexity. A touch of that peaty character which is so typical of the old vines in Block 9.PalateSoft, rich, flavoursome palate with lovely spice and pepper complexity lingering. Not sweet, more savoury and elegant in style. A great follow on from the 2010 Reserve Shiraz. This is an impressive example of old vine Blewitt Springs Shiraz.

ColourDeep red/ purple huesAromaBlackberry and blackcurrant evident at first and followed by satsuma plum characters.PalateHerbaceous, capsicum flavours at the front palate. Blackberry and satsuma plum characters are supported by firm tannins leading to a lingering finish.

Black cherry, sweet spice and dark fruit aromas combine with blackberry and raspberry flavours to give a crisp and approchable wine.

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.

The wine has a mouth filling lusciousness, densely packed with generous plum and dark cherry fruit flavours along with subtle floral violet characters and a smack of vanilla underlying the opulent oak expression.

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.

Wonderfully composed and sweetly fragrant, the wine shows mixed berry compote, Black Doris plum, cocoa and toasted nut characters on the nose with subtle spicy complexity. The palate is succulent and plush, offering excellent weight and fleshy mouthfeel, leading to an impressively long silky finish. Harmonious and immensely appealing. At its best: now to 2026.