
McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley
The McLaren Vale wine region is located less than an hours drive south of Adelaide, straight down the picturesque coastline.
Shiraz is by far the most widely planted variety, and the most important variety for the region, accounting for about 50% of the total crush. Every winery in the region will likely be producing at least one or more Shiraz wines, and with the wide range of unique terroirs available, each influenced by the maritime climate in unique ways, each Shiraz will have its own regional nuances.
Shiraz produced in McLaren Vale will often exhibit chocolate and coffee notes, with a little less pepper than those from Barossa Valley, and are often blended with Grenache. Other red varieties grown include Cabernet Sauvignon (and Merlot blends) Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Tannat and Zinfandel. The main white variety would be Chardonnay, however Sémillon and it's common blending partner Sauvignon Blanc are made, alongside lesser amounts of Riesling, Pronto Bianco, Vermentino and Fiano.
If you plan to visit McLaren Vale there are over 65 cellar doors so you'll be spoiled for choice, ranging from the small-boutique wineries to very large wineries. The drive from McLaren Vale up to the Barossa Valley is very scenic, passing over the rolling Adelaide Hills, and though the quaint German-settled town of Hahndorf.
The Barossa Valley is about an hour and a half drive to the North of Adelaide, in South Australia and is the oldest wine region in the country, founded by German settlers. The region can be credited with putting Australian wine on the world wine map, thanks to Shiraz, which thrives in the warm climate (though Hunter Valley Semillon also contributed.)
For many years traditionalist wine makers thought the grape variety was best suited to the cooler climates of the Rhône Valley and that the variety would cook and in the warmth of the Australian sun. Although South Australian Shiraz is a bigger, beefier wine than its southern French counterpart Syrah, no one can deny the regions propensity to produce world class wines.
Not only Shiraz is cultivated in Barossa Valley, with other red varieties such as Grenache, Mourvedre (Mataro) and to a lesser extent Sauvignon. The white varieties that thrive best seem to be Semillon, Chardonnay and Rhone varietals like Viognier, Marsanne and Roussane.
The Valley has many subregions which all have unique terroirs. Seppeltsfield, Marananga, Greenock are to name but a few. With a huge number of wineries in such a small area, and a host of accommodation, the region is very popular for wine-tourism. In the words of Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, the Barossa Valley became "Australia's quintessential wine region."
Shiraz is by far the most widely planted variety, and the most important variety for the region, accounting for about 50% of the total crush. Every winery in the region will likely be producing at least one or more Shiraz wines, and with the wide range of unique terroirs available, each influenced by the maritime climate in unique ways, each Shiraz will have its own regional nuances.
Shiraz produced in McLaren Vale will often exhibit chocolate and coffee notes, with a little less pepper than those from Barossa Valley, and are often blended with Grenache. Other red varieties grown include Cabernet Sauvignon (and Merlot blends) Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Tannat and Zinfandel. The main white variety would be Chardonnay, however Sémillon and it's common blending partner Sauvignon Blanc are made, alongside lesser amounts of Riesling, Pronto Bianco, Vermentino and Fiano.
If you plan to visit McLaren Vale there are over 65 cellar doors so you'll be spoiled for choice, ranging from the small-boutique wineries to very large wineries. The drive from McLaren Vale up to the Barossa Valley is very scenic, passing over the rolling Adelaide Hills, and though the quaint German-settled town of Hahndorf.
The Barossa Valley is about an hour and a half drive to the North of Adelaide, in South Australia and is the oldest wine region in the country, founded by German settlers. The region can be credited with putting Australian wine on the world wine map, thanks to Shiraz, which thrives in the warm climate (though Hunter Valley Semillon also contributed.)
For many years traditionalist wine makers thought the grape variety was best suited to the cooler climates of the Rhône Valley and that the variety would cook and in the warmth of the Australian sun. Although South Australian Shiraz is a bigger, beefier wine than its southern French counterpart Syrah, no one can deny the regions propensity to produce world class wines.
Not only Shiraz is cultivated in Barossa Valley, with other red varieties such as Grenache, Mourvedre (Mataro) and to a lesser extent Sauvignon. The white varieties that thrive best seem to be Semillon, Chardonnay and Rhone varietals like Viognier, Marsanne and Roussane.
The Valley has many subregions which all have unique terroirs. Seppeltsfield, Marananga, Greenock are to name but a few. With a huge number of wineries in such a small area, and a host of accommodation, the region is very popular for wine-tourism. In the words of Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, the Barossa Valley became "Australia's quintessential wine region."
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- 12 months in tight grain French and American oak. The nose has primarily lifted strawberry and plum fruit characters. Medium-bodied with an abundance of the primary characters carried through from the nose of plum and strawberry there is also a presence ... Learn MoreThorn Clarke 'Sandpiper' Merlot 2018$14.99 Per item
- Fruit was selected from premium Barossa vineyards. A layered nose of dark fruit aromas, with plum, mulberry, cedar and spice. The palate is deep and luscious, with flavours of plum and dark cherries. There are some subtle spicy oak characters ... Learn MoreZilzie 'Barossa' Shiraz 2018$14.99 Per item
- Great quality at a great price! Sultry blackberry, plum and a subtle smoked meat character on the nose. A medium to full bodied wine with a silky tannin backbone, a hint of spice and a grainy tannin finish. Throughout the ... Learn MoreThorn Clarke 'Sandpiper' Shiraz 2018$15.99 Per item
- The Woods Crampton reds have become synonymous with great value drinking and the newly released 2017 Woods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz is no exception. The nose is bright and expressive with aromas of dark berries, ripe blood plans and exotic spice. ... Learn MoreWoods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017$15.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Great quality at a great price! Sultry blackberry, plum and a subtle smoked meat character on the nose. A medium to full bodied wine with a silky tannin backbone, a hint of spice and a grainy tannin finish. Throughout the ... Learn MoreThorn Clarke 'Sandpiper' Shiraz 2017$15.99 Per itemOut of stock
- We couldn't believe it. We couldn't go past it. A second opportunity to make a killer shiraz from one of the oldest and yet still exciting regions in the country - the Barossa Valley. When it's gone, it's gone folks; ... Learn MoreMojo 'Full Colour' Shiraz 2019$17.79 Per item
- A blend of Shiraz from old vines across three key South Australian regions – the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Lower Murray. Vibrant deep purple in colour, with a lifted and aromatic nose, displaying an array of dark fruits, ripe plums and ... Learn MoreHogshead Old Vine Shiraz 2020$17.99 Per item
- Fruit for this wine was sourced from vines planted between 1898 and 1972. Appealingly pure aromas of red cherry with raspberry and cedar, this wine is attractive and ethereal. Violets and liquorice show through the red fleshed, taut and precise palate. Pushes ... Learn MoreYalumba 'Old Bush Vine' Grenache 2017$17.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The southern hairy-nose wombat is small than other wombat but is stocky, robust and the proud state emblem of South Australia. Like the might of the little wombat, Little Giant iis crafted from premium regional fruit from established vineyards that ... Learn MoreLittle Giants Grenache 2020$18.99 Per item
- 45% Grenache, 30% Shiraz, 25% Mataro. Pedro was inspired by the light and bright “lunchtime” wines found in bistro’s throughout the Rhone Valley. Surprisingly dark in colour with the wild expression only no sulphur wines can give – all red fruits, lifted forest ... Learn MoreWoods Crampton 'Pedro' Gsm 2020$19.90 Per item
- Crack open of bottle of this magnificent Shiraz and enjoy the pleasant intermingling of red and purple fruit, milk chocolate, vanilla bean and spice, softened by ripe round tannins and well-integrated acidity. Named after the large hogshead barrels in which ... Learn MoreHogshead Old Vine Shiraz 2019$19.99 Per item
- The 2008 Grenache was sourced from 30-60 year old, low yielding vines. It was aged for 12 months in predominantly seasoned French and American oak. Marquis Philips is a collaboration between American Dan Philips and Australian winemakers to make the most delicious, ... Learn MoreMarquis Philips Gg Grenache 2008$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The Emperor Series is a range of old single vineyard wines that showcase structure, concentration and power. ... Learn MoreMaximus 'Emperor Series' Centenarian Grenache 2013$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The Emperor Series is a range of old single vineyard wines that showcase structure, concentration and power. ... Learn MoreMaximus 'Emperor Series' Centenarian Grenache 2012$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Greg Norman Reserve Shiraz 2009$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Wine maker Caroline Dunn, has produced an outstanding wine from 15-20 year old low cropped vines. Fermented in small 8 tonne, open fermenters and aged in French and American Barriques. The wine has been awarded 2 trophies, 6 Gold Medals and 4 Silver and 7 ... Learn MoreBlass Barossa Valley Shiraz 1998$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Hand-crafted using small parcels of fruit from the western side of the Barossa Valley. The Old Dog Shiraz is an uncompromising marriage of both elegance and strength. The exceptional structure of the palate delivers rich plum, blackberry, chocolate and liquorice ... Learn MoreShanahans Old Dog Shiraz 2012$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Di Fabio's McLaren Vale Shiraz vines are over 60 years old and have been carefully hand pruned and picked to create exceptional Bush Vine Shiraz. These grapes were once sold to some of Australia's best wineries but now are exclusive. ... Learn MoreDi Fabio Bush Vine Shiraz 2003$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The grapes were harvested from the low-yielding vineyards of traditional family growers in the north-western Barossa districts of Greenock, Moppa, Belvedere, Koonunga and Ebenezer. Each vineyard adds its own exclusive dimension to Pirathon Shiraz and combined they produce the ultimate ... Learn MorePirathon 'Blue' Barossa Shiraz 2018$19.99 Per item
- "This is splendidly fruited and inviting on the nose showing dark fruit richness together with seductive notes of anise, roasted hazelnut, cocoa and floral. ." - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit The grapes were harvested from the low-yielding vineyards of traditional family ... Learn MorePirathon 'Blue' Barossa Shiraz 2017$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The Woods Crampton reds have become synonymous with great value drinking and the newly released 2018 Woods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz is no exception. The nose is bright and expressive with aromas of dark berries, ripe blood plans and exotic spice. ... Learn MoreWoods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz 2019$19.99 Per item
- The Woods Crampton reds have become synonymous with great value drinking and the newly released 2018 Woods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz is no exception. The nose is bright and expressive with aromas of dark berries, ripe blood plans and exotic spice. ... Learn MoreWoods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The Woods Crampton reds have become synonymous with great value drinking and the 2016 Woods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz is no exception. The nose is bright and expressive with aromas of dark berries, ripe blood plans and exotic spice. The palate ... Learn MoreWoods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- An Italian-passito-style botrytis wine, it was crafted using hand-picked Viognier grapes that were late harvested and allowed to dry out for 3 weeks. It was fermented in French oak barrels (20% new) for six months, resulting in a beautiful bright golden colour. ... Learn MoreMr Riggs Sticky End 2018 (375ml)$20.00 Per item
- Rusden is one of the most respected names in the Barossa Valley, which has built up a huge following in a relatively short period of time. Focussing on traditional Barossa varieties and blends, the limited production wines are quickly snapped ... Learn More
- Rusden is one of the most respected names in the Barossa Valley, which has built up a huge following in a relatively short period of time. Focussing on traditional Barossa varieties and blends, the limited production wines are quickly snapped ... Learn MoreRusden Driftsand Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2018$20.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dom Torzi calls this wine the 'Son of Frost Dodger' as it shares the same fruit as the Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz, and is matured in ex Frost Dodger barrels. The nose is all fruitcake, blackberry, cola and a ... Learn MoreTorzi Matthews 'Schist Rock' Shiraz 2020$21.51 Per item
- Made exclusively for United Cellars by Yangarra Estate using barrel selected fruit. Aromas of dark fruit aromas, along with blueberries, dark chocolate and some floral notes. A medium-full bodied palate packed with juicy black fruit, hints of licorice and dark ... Learn More
- GOLD MEDAL WINNER. The 2018 Sons Of Eden Marschall is made as a modern interpretation of the classic Barossa style; opening with lovely lifted ripe blueberry and red licorice notes on the nose. The palate is vibrant, juicy and fresh, while ... Learn MoreSons Of Eden 'Marschall' Barossa Shiraz 2018$21.99 Per itemOut of stock
- It makes perfect sense that Primo make a superb Sangiovese, as Joe Grilli has spent many vintages making wine in Italy, the home of the variety. Very lifted aromas of vibrant cherries, Turkish delight and a lovely chocolate undertone. Complex ... Learn MoreUnited Cellars Selection 'Sangiovese By Primo Estate' 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Fruit sourced from vineyards in Greenock (82%) and Moppa (18%). The nose shows lively Satsuma plums entice the nose with a mix of mulberry and blackberry. Florals of lavender and herbs are noted with the usual suspects of mixed spices, black pepper ... Learn MoreLaughing Jack 'Jacks' Shiraz 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made exclusively for United Cellars by Yangarra Estate using barrel selected fruit. Aromas of dark fruit aromas, along with blueberries, dark chocolate and some floral notes. A medium-full bodied palate packed with juicy black fruit, hints of licorice and dark ... Learn MoreUnited Cellars Selection 'Shiraz By Yangarra Estate' 2018$21.99 Per itemOut of stock
- “The Vincent is a thank you to my father who has passed eight generations of Italian winemaking and grape growing knowledge down to the ninth”. This Grenache is produced from two 100+ year old vineyards from the renowned Barossa Valley. The ... Learn MoreCirillo The Vincent Grenache 2019$22.00 Per item
- Impressive inky black purple colour with deep dark purple black hue. The nose offers up scents of ripe blackberry and liquorice followed by some toasty vanillin oak and spice. Medium to full bodied with a supple mouthfeel the palate has ... Learn MoreSt Hallets Blackwell Shiraz 2011$22.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "50% grenache, 30% mataro and 20% shiraz from 25-76yo vines, wild yeast-open fermented with 10% whole bunches, 14 days on skins, daily plunging and pumpovers, 500 dozen made. Beautifully and harmoniously structured and textured, clarity and purity its watchwords." - James Halliday (Halliday Wine Companion) ... Learn MoreHead Wines Head Red Gsm 2019$22.99 Per item
- RockBare is a great example of the region’s signature wine. This bright and crunchy number presents a savoury touch with an intense concentration of flavour that makes this wine stand out from the pack with fine walnut–like tannins. ... Learn MoreRockbare Tideway Grenache 2017$22.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Grenache is Australia’s signature grape variety and we’re slightly obsessed with it. Our first Rosé is sourced from an old, single vineyard in Berri. Beautifully pale, salmon pink with delicate aromatics and lovely texture, it lives up to ... Learn MoreThistledown Gorgeous Grenache Rose 2019$22.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The base wines are predominately French oak matured Shiraz from McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. Rounding out the blend are small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional of up to ten years of age. The inclusion of older ... Learn MoreCoates La Petite Cuvee Sparkling Shiraz Nv$22.99 Per item
- This wine brings together traditional friends Grenache (50%), Shiraz (45%) and Mataro (5%). Picked by hand, the fruit was gently handled in the winery and aged in old French oak. The Grenache comes from our 50-year old vines, the Shiraz from our 65+ year ... Learn MoreBondar ‘Junto’ Gsm 2019$23.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "The PF Shiraz is made from grapes grown on our certified biodynamic single-estate vineyard, grown without herbicides, fungicides or synthetic chemicals. It is made without additions of any kind: sulphur (preservative), acid, tannin or finings. It's intense, dark and perhaps ... Learn MoreYangarra 'Pf' Shiraz 2019$23.99 Per itemOut of stock