Named after the first cultivator of the site, Samuel Dunn, who lived in Amherst from the early 1850s, one of the first local settlers to plant grapes. Originally the land was exploited for sheep grazing, until diggers found the locality alive with gold. Today the property yields a tremendous Shiraz wine.

$2599each $309DOZEN EACH DOZEN Amherst is a town rich in history, site of the first official gold find 1851, which launched a gold rush stretching all over central Victoria. The district's history with viticulture is also long and rich. In 1896 Signor Bragaro, the viticultural expert at the Department of Agriculture, was invited by the local council to give instruction to vineyard operators, among them Samuel Dunn. Since the first commercial release in 1995, Amherst has gained a reputation for fine hand crafted wines. Amherst is family owned and operated, the vineyard is located in the heart of the historic Victorian goldfields. A very good site for Shiraz, the grapes here ripen well, the baumes at harvest are always good, the vines deliver batches of the choicest fruit.

Deep garnet in colour. Rich, ripe fruit flavours are complemented by a savoury mid palate and a distinctive spicy clove character that compliments many different types of food. As with all of the Amherst wines the amount of oak and alcohol is kept in check to ensure that the wine is perfectly balanced.

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.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN Heathcote's ancient Cambrian soils combine with a warm, dry climate to create wines of profound brooding intensity and effortless power whilst retaining the structure and fine tannins to ensure good development. Sustainable viticulture leads to healthy harvests and moderate alcohol which is followed with minimal additions. Shiraz is sourced from established, low yielding sites primarily in the central north of Heathcote, most notably the splendid Colby Vineyard. Grapes are completely de-stemmed before a cool maceration and temperature controlled tank fermentation. Primarily vinified with very little wood treatment, a small component is transferred to seasoned oak barrels for six months maturation.

Bright scarlet colour. Bouquet of red berries, plum and festive cake with hints of gamey spice and peppercorn aromas. The full, complex nose makes way to a fruit driven palate with a supple core of spiced red and black berries, strawberry and plum kept vital by soft acidity. An impressive depth of flavour and length for a forward drinking Shiraz, background oak and gracious tannins, generous and vibrant in it's youth.

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.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN Moorabool Valley can trace its oenological heritage back to the 1840s, when Swiss immigrants established vines, some of the earliest plantings in Victoria and Australia. The area suffered badly in the second half of the nineteenth century when phylloxera and bureaucracy combined to destroy the region. Moorabool re-emerged as a viticultural precinct in the first days of Victoria's wine industry renaissance during the 1960s. Austins defines the outstanding potential of Shiraz within the Geelong region and the uniqueness of Mooroobool Valley. The finished wine is all about quality of fruit, a pure, single vineyard effort vinified from Shiraz clone PT23, grown to the Steiglitz Road property at Sutherlands Creek. Alcohol 14.0%

Deep dark red in colour. A compelling bouquet of balance and style. Blackberries and licorice, cloves and black pepper in a mix that's both heady and refined. Distinctly Geelong and Sutherlands Creek in particular, savoury elements provide a fine counterpoint to the lifted fruit, all superbly detailed by a fresh acidity. Deeply flavoured, the palate fulfils the promise of the bouquet and emphasises those facets, blackberries, clove and licorice reduced to a savoury intensity. The intergration of all facets sets this wine apart from its peers. That unity, so distinct in the nose, plays out along the palate and puts the restrained breadth of the wine into perspective, an elegant Geelong Shiraz with the grace and charm of old world wines.

Gold Medal Royal Hobart, its achievement was in the Individual Vineyard Class of the Red Wine Section for Dry Red Wines of any vintage, quite a spectacular result. The judges noted that,.

$3599each $429DOZEN EACH DOZEN Baileys has undergone an expansion in the vineyard to 143 ha and the construction of a totally new 2000 tonne winery. The 1920's Block is a patch of eighty year old Shiraz vines on the Baileys Glenrowan property. The soils in the area are well drained deep red granite over basalt. 1920s Block is dry grown, which in the warm climate of Glenrowan, ensures that grapes ripen fully to develop rich and ripe, intense flavours. The 2006 vintage in Glenrowan was mild and dry producing low yielding, dry grown Shiraz. Following vinification, parcels were transferred to a mix of new and prior use French oak for twelve months maturation before assembling into the final wine. Alcohol 14.9%

A rich deep red. The nose offers complex aromas of dark berry fruits, liquorice and spice.1920's Block Shiraz delivers rich fruit with well integrated tannins with the traditional Baileys structure. This wine is approachable in its youth and will also reward with complexity from careful cellaring.

The Baileys of Glenrowan property is endowed with some of Victoria's oldest plantings. After the devastation of phylloxera at the turn of last century, vines were replanted in the rich granite soil below the Warby Ranges. Bailey's Tawny is made entirely from Shiraz grown to the estate's quarantined Glenrowan vineyard, carefully barrel aged under perfect conditions to ensure a memorable drinking experience upon release.

$2499each $297DOZEN EACH DOZEN Glenrowan is renowned for its luscious fortified wines and rich red wine styles. The fortuitous soils and lie of the land provide a unique grape growing mesoclime with cool air flowing down from the ranges, tempered by warmer airflow from the lake. In the hot summer months, the lake acts like a giant air conditioner, cooling the vines at night. Bailey's are Glenrowan's eldest vineyard, originally planted by Varley Bailey in the 1860s. Bailey produced his first vintage in 1870 and the site has continued to produce iconic Shiraz wines ever since. Following fermentation, individual parcels of Shiraz are aged in old oak barrels before being assembled into the final wine.

Russet red in the glass. Aromas of fresh fruit, earthy, luscious, tongue hugging sweet complicated essences. Delicate barrel complexity, light and elegant on the palate but has intense flavour and a lingering rancio finish. Serve with ripe aged cheeses or after dinner chocolates.

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 and estate grown Shiraz is vinified alongside components from good vineyards in central Victoria and Yarra Valley. The sturdy tannins and powerful ripe fruit flavours of Bendigo are enhanced by the spiced acidity and lighter plum character of vineyards further afield. A dash of Viognier contributes suppleness, alluring perfumes and a touch of apricot sweetness.

$1999each $237DOZEN EACH DOZEN For over forty years, Balgownie have continued to craft big bold Shiraz wines which have been flagships of the Bendigo region. The dedicated team subscribe to the philosophy that the finest quality wines can only be determined in the vineyard. Viticultural management practices aim to achieve a balance between vegetative growth and moderate yields. Healthy vines produce healthy, vibrant grapes which translate into well balanced and flavoursome vines. Balgownie have selected parcels of Shiraz from choice vineyards which can provide harvests of well ripened fruit exhibiting intense flavours and gracious tannins, retaining for inclusion only those which are true to the essential Balgownie style.

Deep rubly colour with opaque purple hues. Lifted bouquet of blackberries and plum fruit characters, a touch of mint with notes of spice and toasty oak. A vibrant, medium to full bodied Shiraz showing rich mocha/ berry/ chocolate flavours, the intense, ripe and plush lined palate expresses fruitcake and blood plum, steeped cherries, pepper and subtly complex spice, balanced by long fine tannins and refreshing acids. A deliciously ripe palate, full and intense, lightly framed by delicate oak, it closes on a long, satisfying finish.

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 its forty year history, 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.

$3199each $381DOZEN EACH DOZEN Balgownie can boast the oldest vines in Bendigo. Stuart Anderson established his vineyard on the rich soils of Maiden Gully, pioneering the commercialization of viticulture in the region. Balgownie continues to take massive strides, as the site has expanded to thirty hectares of the most spendid winegrowing terroir. The Shiraz vines have now stood the test of time, yielding parcels of the finest fruit. A combination of traditional open and closed tank fermenters are employed to achieve full extraction of colour and tannins. Following vinification, Balgownie is pressed into a selection of new and seasoned French and American oak barrels where it reposes up to eighteen months prior to assemblage.

A deep red colour. Vibrant berry fruit aromas and subtle use of oak. Rich blackberry fruits and licorice, splashes of red fruits and allied spice, fashioned to a concentrated, yet elegant, medium bodied style with velvety textures and fine lingering tannins on a long finish.

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.

$2799each $333DOZEN EACH DOZEN Making outstanding Shiraz has been somewhat of a specialty at Balgownie ever since vines were established. The winemaking team's commitment to sustainable vineyard management practices, limited irrigation, compost and mulching regimens continue to yield harvest of the healthiest, small but intensely flavoured grapes. Batches of Shiraz are treated to a term of maceration for the extraction of colour, tannins and flavour. A controlled vinfication is followed by twelve months maturation in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels before assembling into the final wine, to be initiated for secondary fermentation in bottle in the manner of Methode traditionelle. Alcohol 14.5%

A brilliant deep ruby red with creamy purple/ pink mousse. Attractive rich raspberry and spice aromas. The palate offers delicious flavours of red and black berries, currants, cherries and plum supported by French cocoa vanilla oak, lively tannins and elegant spice. The rich beautiful dark fruit characters are balanced by excellent acidity which keeps the palate fresh, it finishes pleasingly long and dry. Outstanding as an aperitif, alongside tapas or the classic festive lunch of turkey and roast ham.

The partnership of Roger Milner and Jane Holt emerged out of a juncture in mineral exploration, eventually leading to vintages at Passing Clouds and Chateau Reynella. They selected a site just outside of the main nexus of Pyrenees estates to plant vines. Ironically settling on the very terrain operated a century earlier by a pioneer named Berry who had also planted Shiraz.

$3999each $477DOZEN EACH DOZEN Located in the undulating foothills of the northern slopes of the Pyrenees Ranges, set to an altitude of 200 metres on red duplex soils/ red brown clays. The vineyard is operated with the emphasis on sustainable viticulture. Good canopy management generally minimises disease impact in this mild climate, and the ecologically friendly option is always exercised when selecting vineyard inputs. Many species of insect-eating birds love the habitat contributing to a healthy and diverse environment. The dry grown Shiraz grapes are hand picked and treated to small batch fermentation, hand plunged, basket pressed and matured in a combination of fine oaks before bottling without filtration. Approx 15.0%

Deep crimson with purple hues. The nose exhibits pure-fruited aromas of freshly crushed blackberries, hints of spice and fruitcake and a backdrop of roasted meats. The full-bodied palate is rich and full with lively red berries also showing through with a touch of earth and assertive, grippy tannins. Dense and chewy yet quite refined, Berrys Bridge has developed after a spell of bottle ageing.

Excellent Langtons Classification. One of the nation's most enduring wines, vinified from hand picked and sorted grapes grown to the four original Shiraz plantings on the historic, low yielding Great Western blocks.

$6499each $777DOZEN EACH DOZEN No grape is used unless it is in peak condition, no parcel of wine is considered unless it lives up to the most exacting standard. Only select vines that have made the grade are considered. In a declassified year some Thomson Reserve fruit (from some of the oldest Shiraz plantings in Victoria) can be included. Unique factors of soil and climate make a contribution. Cold to very cold winters, frequently dry and cool summers, with occasional bursts of hot weather are the norm. Fruit is hand selected, sorted and vinified by small batches in open fermenters, followed by rigorous barrel selection. Matured in a selection of new and used French and American oak barriques and puncheons for twelve months. Alcohol 14.6%

Dense purple extending right to the edge of the glass. Nice pepper and spice, great blue fruits, very lifted and attractive. Subtle spice and anise, a textural palate displaying layers of complexity. Clean, fresh and lively, blueberry awash with spice and integrated oak notes. Fine tannin and acid support.

Excellent Langtons Classification. Bin 0 Shiraz is produced from the four original Shiraz plantings on the low yielding blocks of the historic Concongella Vineyard at Great Western. This includes nineteenth century and mid twentieth century plantings of Shiraz which yield meagre harvests of the most amazing quality grapes.

$5999each $717DOZEN EACH DOZEN The Concongella property takes its name from a picturesque creek which runs beside the vineyard. Climatically cold to very cold winters and frequently dry and cool summers, with occasional bursts of hot weather, are the norm. A little stress concentrates grape flavour, at Concongella it happens naturally. Despite these natural adversities, Concongella consistently produces high quality grapes of intense flavour. The vineyard now contains rows of old and new plantings. Fruit is hand selected, sorted and vinified by small batches in open fermenters, followed by rigorous barrel selection. Matured in a selection of new and used French and American oak barriques and puncheons for twelve months. Alcohol 14.5%

Deep, dark, rich purple/ black. Dense blue fruits, spice and background floral aromas. Palate shows deep, concentrated blue fruits, great mid palate weight and long lingering impression. Texture and structure with fine oak and tannins playing a supporting role. Perfectly balanced, it finishes with supple, silky tannins.

Given the scarcity of Best's prestige, limited release, old vineyard icons, Bin 1 gives people their first taste of the Great Western Shiraz style and leaves them eager to discover more. A classic, cool climate, aromatic wine, floral and spicy, peppery and elegant, retaining vital Great Western fruit character.

$2199each $261DOZEN EACH DOZEN Unique factors of soil and climate in the Great Western area contribute to Best's success. The land along the Concongella Creek is flat with powdery loam overlaying a deep clay sub-soil while newer plantings are sited on frost free hills. A long, slow ripening period and continental climate are characteristics of Great Western. The vineyards are in superb condition, producing fruit of remarkable quality and concentration. Meticulously crafted with the same attention to detail as th great regional flagship, Bin 1 represents the essence of Best's and the uniqueness of Great Western. The finished wine exhibits al the attractions of structured Victorian Shiraz, perfumed, subtley oaked and gently spiced. Alcohol 14.0%

Rich, inky red with purple hues. Vibrant lifted aromatics displaying fresh red berries and purple fruit, with classic cool climate pepper and spice over delicate floral characters. A rich and juicy wine with layers of generous flavour and complexity. Luscious, up front characters of freshly picked red cherry and raspberry melds into more developed plum, blackberry, pepper and spice. The palate is long and mouthfilling with great mid palate generosity, rolling tannins and wonderfully integrated oak. A ready to drink Shiraz in the established Great Westen style, elegant and approachable. Bin 1 is a great accompaniment to food, the celebration of a century's history at Best's Great Western.