Fully inspired by the guidance of Coonawarra patriarch Bill Redman, Doug Balnaves planted two and a half hectares of Shiraz to the rich red terra rosa soils along Riddoch Highway in the 1970s. Crafted from these veteran parcels of low yielding, old vine Shiraz, a harvest of hand sorted berries, with a measure of whole bunches, are filled into open top vessels for a week of ferments, followed by a year in good French oak. Perfumed of wild brambleberry, cherries and jube, its fleshy plum fruit richness and piquancy of black pepper spice, lingering to the end of a fine grain tannin finish.

The Shaws of McLaren Vale established five acres of vine in 1975, with a view to supplying fruit for some of Australia's best known brands. The operation grew until their substantial acquisition of vineyards, some of the oldest plantings in South Australia, attracted the attention of Maglieri maestro John Loxton. Parcels of intensely flavoured grapes, harvested off deep rooted old vines grown to the eminent estate Arthur's Block, are vinified into a powerful rendering of McLaren Vale Shiraz, replete with generous alcohol, ripe tannins and exquisite length.

Bendigo's Maiden Gully has been producing outstanding and memorable Shiraz wines for over forty years. Balgownie have matched parcels of their most predisposed fruit with harvests of correspondingly amicable Shiraz grapes from splendid vineyards in Victoria's central districts and the Yarra Valley. A singularly generous, effervescent Shiraz wine with chewy tannins, full flavoured palate and engagingly spiced aromas. The Sparkling Shiraz of choice to accompany chocolate cherry desserts, game birds, juicy red meats or pork with rich sauces.

Shiraz vines were established at Balgownie Estate in 1969, followed by a second planting in 1974. The carefully selected site near Bendigo has provided excellent conditions throughout four decades, producing impressive reds since the inaugural vintage of 1972. Balgownie is most notable for its deep red colour, vibrant berry fruit aromas, subtle use of oak, velvety textures and fine, lingering tannins. A splendid match to crackling encrusted, succulently roast joint of juicy young pork.

The Balgownie experience with Shiraz dates back to 1969, when the original vines were established on a carefully selected site at Maiden Gully near Bendigo. A backbone of local, estate grown Shiraz is vinified alongside components from superior Victorian vineyards. The sturdy tannins and powerful ripe fruit flavours of Bendigo are enhanced by the spiced acidity and lighter plum character of terroirs further afield. A dash of Viognier contributes suppleness, alluring perfumes and a touch of apricot sweetness.

Glenrowan is a place of great natural endowments, it grows the finest fruit and hosted a famous gold rush. Glenrowan has remained quarantined from any exchange of viticulture since the 1890s, a felicitious quirk of history which has preserved the provenance of some great old vineyards. Varley is a compilation of the very best parcels Baileys Shiraz, treated to the time honoured traditions of open ferment, pumpovers and a course of extended age in the pick of fine French oak. Its impenetrable purple black hues, presage a prosperous palate of blood plums, bramble and dark earthen spice.

The Bailey's property at Glenrowan contains fifteen blocks of Shiraz, including some of the oldest vines in Victoria. Full bodied, traditionally styled, generous and august, yet marvelously approachable in its youth, after a term of fourteen months in a selection of French and American oak puncheons, characterised by its affability, seamlessness and style. Ripe plum and cherry fruit characters, enriched by dark licorice, espresso and malt, its robe of finely integrated oak and supportive length of gummy tannins, define a Shiraz of provenance and graceful old world charm.

Richard Bailey planted one of the first Glenrowan vineyards in the 1860s. The Bailey estate survived the downturn of the Victorian gold rush, the ravages of phylloxera and excesses of the Kelly gang, it endures to this day, producing some of the nation's most intensely flavoured and historically significant wines. A precious block of distinguished, dry grown old vines planted in the 1920s, yields a limited harvest of parched and concentrated Shiraz berries. The succulent red wine of choice to accompany the finest beef wellington or wagyu sirloin.

Pam and Richard Austin planted their first vines during the 1980s, in the Barrabool Hills southwest of Geelong, with a view to making super premium wines for Australia's best restaurants. The soils they turned were the same as those worked by pioneering Swiss over a century before, when Geelong was recognised as source of the finest Australian wines. The climate and rolling slopes of Moorabool Valley, the super soils and idyllic terroirs stimulate the vines into yielding intense Shiraz grapes with luscious plum flavours, cool climate spice and gripping tannins.

The Kalleske family have been Barossa winegrowing since 1853, they retain priceless parcels of ancient vine, picking grapes off the very plantings nurtured by their forebears generations ago. The wizzened old veterans on Zen Master date back to establishment by the Atze family in 1912, they yield a precious harvest of potent black berries, treated to the old world style of open ferments, hand plunging and a course of age in a new French oak puncheon. Brimming with florals, silky smooth, seamless, an exquisite old vine Shiraz of extraordinary opulence, elegance and finesse.

Many of the nation's fine old vineyards were destroyed during a government backed scheme to reduce the capacity of wine production in the 1980s. One fortunate site, established 1951 by the family Atze, was rescued by the Kalleske and endures as a priceless, single block, single batch Barossa Shiraz, only ever released in the best vintage years. Seamless, intense, layered with richness, treated to a luxurious two years repose in completely new French oak, mesmerisingly complex and profoundly perfumed, only seventy cases are bottled from any one vintage.

The fruit of three small blocks Shiraz, planted by the Eddies family in 1912, 1951 and 1975, devotedly nurtured by the Kalleske since salvage from the ruthless vine pull scheme of the 1980s. A fortnight of maceration and completion of ferments in a high proportion of new oak hogsheads is followed by two years languid maturation. Eddie's Block is powerfully perfumed, heady with uber ripe fruits, currants and cassis, its stunning figure of festive plum fruits and dark cherry syrups, is complexed by fragrant seasonings of clove, cinammon and a sprinkling of vanilla anise.

Generations of Barossa viticulture makes the Kalleske well versed in identifying superior parcels of land which are heaven sent for great wine. They acquired just such a site from bachelor Bert Kleinig in the 1970s, it has remained in the family estate portfolio until the Atze team were inspired to bottle the magnificence of fruit as an elite vineyard Shiraz. Treated to the the luxury of eighteen months French oak, the Bachelor evolves in the glass as he breathes, blueberries, black currants and ripe damson plum, sweet spices, cinnamon and just a curl of cocoa cedar oak.

An assemblage of choice parcels from the ancient winegrowing hamlets of Koonunga and Ebenezer, hand picked and destemmed without crushing, delicately fermented, pumped and plunged by hand, gently basket pressed into oak for completion of malolactic and a year of age. The great enigma of Atze's Corner is how every bottling is remarkable for its seamlessness, astonishing balance and divinely perfumed fruit. A sprinkling of spice and vanilla of oak, sweetness of liquorice and juicy tannins, a whisp of liqueured cacao, as the luscious finish lingers on and on and on.

Single site Syrah, picked off a small, single block of the sheltered Kahu Vineyard on the famous gravels of Martinborough Terrace. Fruit is treated to several days of cold soak and three weeks of wild, indigenous yeast ferments, gently hand plunged and filled to a mix of seasoned and new French oak barriques for completion of malolactic and eleven months age. Florals and fine tannins, an exotic mix of blueberry and Turkish delight, gingernut, pink peppercorn, cardamom and clove, densely packed and textural, youthful yet savoury, earthyness to balance the fruit, precision and poise.

The final word in purple hued, effervescent opulence, crafted from the Shiraz of some distinguished old plantings on the illustrious Wendouree estate vineyard in Valley Clare. Grapes are traditionally open air vinified and plunged by hand, treated to an extravagant term of five years in well seasoned oak vats, followed by a year of secondary ferment on sedimernt lees in own bottle before disgorgement and reseal. Redolent of rosehip, dark cherries and liquorice allsort, its spectacular mouuse unravelling layers of oak influenced complexities, olive, pepper and bay, over a flourish of flowing chiffon tannins.

One of the first established vineyards on Margaret River, the balmy maritime climes at Wilyabrup just the north of the township are a bliss for the realization of Rhône styled Shiraz. Bunches are hand picked over the course of a fortnight as grapes achieve complete ripeness, fruit is gently plunged and treated to the extravagance of two years maturation in French oak barriques. A burst of currants and raspberry, cherries and plum, fine tannins, succulence and tremendous depth of flavour, Ashbrook drinks magnificently on release alongside all good fare.

Under & Over is the way forward for Heathcote Shiraz, an impeccably balanced wine of individual character, complexity and charm. Under & Over are made according to a minimalist approach, the focus being on maximum expression of distinctive Heathcote Shiraz fruit character and heightened regionality. The winemaking team at Armchair Critic are well focused on appropriating the most intensely flavoured grapes to construct an excellent interpretation of early drinking Shiraz with outstanding depth of flavour and an impressively ripe, fruit filled finish.

The Fowles family have been at the centre of Victoria's commerce and development since early settlement. Founders of Bendigo Bank and Fowles Auction Group, they also established the first Victorian winery ever to win Great Australian Shiraz Challenge. The Fowles brand have continued to deliver with the most celebrated editions and memorable vintages, drawing fruit from the pick of their Strathbogie vineyards to be aged in the luxury of completely new oak, the first choice for service alongside flavourful game recipes, suckling pork or lamb.

Aramis craft nothing but the finest possible, crafted from the pick of fruit grown to the most splendid sites. All the winemaking is highly traditional and very labour intensive, maturation takes place in a high proportion of new American oak barriques. A deeply ruby purple Shiraz, the nose offers mulberry, blackberries and plum, toasty oak and wafts of fresh mint over layers of dark chocolate. On the palate blueberry, black raspberry and char, wonderful intensity, supple integrated fruit tannins before a long finish, all in fine balance with the soothing alcohol warmth of Gulf St Vincent.

Aramis are endowed with over sixty acres of the most propitious vineyards in all McLaren Vale. There's a single elite block of old Shiraz, at the very top of the steeply planted property, invigorated by the balmy maritime breezes of Gulf St Vincent, it yields a spectacular harvest of fruit, defined by its fragrantly spiced cassis opulence, chamois, mocha tannins and textural mineral richness. The Heir is assembled from the best of the best barrels Aramis Shiraz, matured two years in a luxuriously high proportion of new French oak hogsheads, unfiltered and unfined.

In their pursuit of excellence, to grow the highest quality grapes and create the finest Sparkling Syrah, Aramis decided to ask the best winemaker to handle their fruit. McLaren Vale born and bred, he knows every acre of soil and every coastal breeze. Most importantly, he develops a kinship with each and every vine. Aramis won't say who this reputable man is, but his brilliance as a winemaker is evident from the moment a bottle of Aramis is opened. That was the arrangement made with the evasive artisan, to allow the Syrah to speak for itself.

Ray and Patrik Jones first venture into wine culture was a proposal for a film featuring industry savant James Halliday as anchorman. Set near the juncture of Kangarilla and Tatachilla Roads at McLaren Vale, the father and son operation release small amounts of hand made wine. Arakoon are somewhat more elegant and understated, a stylistic objective achieved through extended post ferment maceration and supple new French oak. Sellicks Beach conjures violet and spiced plums over a heady touch of bourbon barrel and creamy, mocha tannins.

The ancient Quelltaler property has endured a multitude of trials and tribulations throughout a century and a half of viticulture. Since the relaunch of Quelltaler as Annie's Lane, there has been nothing but universal praise for what is now considered to be one of Australia's finest and consistently satisfying range of table wines. A little over half of the grapes are sourced from the historic Quelltaler vineyards at Watervale, the balance being from a fraternity of Clare Valleys growers who have been supplying the historic wineworks for generations.

The timeless and memorable vintages of Annie's Lane continue to impress palates around the world with their impeccable balance and style. Copper Trail is the Annies Lane flagship, fashioned from fruit grown to the most precious Clare Valley sites. Small parcels of choice fruit and traditional vinification translate into a world class Shiraz of rakish colour, intense varietal flavour and resplendent tannins. Annie's Lane have claimed hundreds of industry accolades in Australia and around the globe, the most successful of all has been Copper Trail Shiraz.

Many of Australia's most enduring winemaking dynasties were established by physicians who believed that good wine was essential for fine health and a sound mind. Dr William Angove planted vines on the Adelaide Hills in the 1880s. The quality of Angove fortifieds and dry reds, was such that the good doctor's label became renowned throughout Australia and markets abroad. Long Row are fashioned to be highly approachable and an excellent food wine, a Shiraz that's drinking beautifully upon release, offering a quality and style that's simply unbeatable.

Andrew Garrett can lay claim to the most memorable vintages of Australia's finest, effervescent red wines. The choicest harvests of fruit from premier vineyards, parcels showing exemplary varietal defintion and ripe tannin balance, are assembled into a generously flavoured wine which defines the sparkling Shiraz style. Consistent in quality and versatile in service, Andrew Garrett makes the perfect aperitif, an ideal acompaniement to rich cuisine or light nibbles and hors d'oeuvres.

A vivacious red with generous fruit, expressing the naturally spicey varietal charm of Shiraz. Batches of good grapes are sourced from premium vineyards, and fashioned into a forward drinking ripe red wine. Pepper, sweet cherry and plum notes harmonize on the palate, with complex spicey undertones. Whether it's good music, food, company or a great bottle of wine, it's all about taking the time to look after yourself and unwind. Enjoy Andrew Garrett Shiraz with rich, spicy Latina music and barbeques. Enjoy life, enjoy Andrew Garrett.

Amherst is a town rich with colourful history and local folklore, site of the first official gold find in 1851, it launched a mining rush which expanded throughout central Victoria. The district's long association with viticulture is also prolific and colourful. Vines were planted here in the earliest days of settlement, many of the miners turned their efforts to winegrowing or constructing cellars for the burgeoning wine industry. A superior single site Shiraz from fruit grown to elite parcels, a mere hundred dozen, bottled with minimal fining and filtration to preserve the integrity of a great vineyard.

Vinified from parcels grown to splendid Pyrenees vineyards, fashioned to be a generously proportioned wine with generous weight of fruit and firm, meaty tannins. Grapes are all hand picked, destemmed and inoculated for several days of ferment, basket pressed into a selection of new and seasoned oaks for an extended term of age. Enticingly perfumed of violets and morello cherry, a palate entry of blackberries and plum, spiced chocolates and prune over a fine structure of dutch chocolate tannins, a fully fragrant finish of blueberries and bramble over refined vanilla pencil oak.

Positioned half way between Avoca and Ballarat, the modestly sized Amherst have only ten acres under vine. The small yields translate into extraordinarily structured, powerfully intense wines, brimming with fine aromatics and lined with silky tannins. Local folklore has it that a shepherd discovered gold at Daisy Hill in 1848, the region flourished and suitably arable parcels were planted to vine in the 1850s. The enduring, full bodied Aussie Claret style, supple and soft after fan extended maturation in quality oak barriques, thoroughly approachable as a youthful wine.

It has taken Alta years of nurture to see their Shiraz vines come of age, when only the best fruit will do, you need to be patient. Fashioned to a style so evocative of southern France, crafted with a view to retaining natural perfumes, employing a regimen of extended macerations, whole bunches and small, open vessel ferments, to achieve a supple palate offering great depth of fruit, seamless tannin structure and persistence. Finely structured, elegant and defined, Alta brings the excellence of Adelaide Hills Shiraz to a place of old world eloquence.

Located along the Frankland River of West Australia's Great Southern, Alkoomi means a place we chose. The balmy growing seasons here are so similar to those of Bordeaux, yielding parcels of fruit which translate into some of the best structured red wines in the country. A full bodied Shiraz with solid plum and dark cherry flavours, framed by a veneer of vanilla oak and seasoned by freshly ground aromatic spice, ready to enjoy right now alongside grills and juicy steak.