First Creek make a lot of Shiraz for others, so when they get to hand craft their own, they know a thing or two about the style they love to make. In the glass: Deep red purple.On the nose: Bright, vibrant dark cherry and peppery spice.On the palate: A dense core of plummy fruit with very lively acidity. Powerful yet poised with lovely chewy textural notes and well-judged oak.

First Creek are really winning over a lot of new fans, especially wine drinkers who may have previously not given the Hunter Valley its fair dues. In the glass: Deep garnet to purple. On the nose: Black and blueberry fruit, and spice. On the palate: Medium to full-bodied with luscious texture and soft tannins. Showing black cherry, blueberry and vanilla alongside red liquorice notes. Long and moreish.

In the glass: Dark red. On the nose: Fresh herb, spice and red berry aromatics. On the palate: Mid weight with a subtly sweet mix of dark fruit, fine supple tannins and background oak. A good all-rounder.