A TASTE OF THE BAROSSA VALLEY

2021 Harrison Wines ‘Fleur de Lune’ Grenache, $35

The grenache comes from vines planted in the 1940s and 1960s (baby vines in the grand scheme of the region). Pure and bright, this wine is an exceptional example of a classic Barossan grape in an elegant New World style. harrison.wine

2012 Spinifex ‘Old Vine’ Mataro, $50

Mataro is the “dark horse” of the Barossa. It’s a supple and mouth-filling wine that bombards the palate with blackcurrant and spicy clove notes. Winemaker Pete Schell deftly crafted this wine from 90-year-old vines as an aged release and it’s some of his finest work to date. spinifexwines.com.au

2016 Yalumba ‘The Octavius’ Shiraz, $150

One of the more iconic wines from the Yalumba stable, this shiraz blends fruit sourced from the Barossa and Eden Valleys to craft something truly “Barossa”. Think bramble and mulberry fruit, mocha and vanilla notes, begging for a tomahawk steak. yalumba.com

2017 Henschke ‘Hill of Roses’ Shiraz, $430

A wine from vines planted by Prue in 1989 from the original Hill of Grace grandfather vines. Expect bay leaf, sage and a hint of cardamom among blackberry, red plum and violets. Plus the hallmark Henschke touch. henschke.com.au

Non-Vintage David Franz ‘Old Redemption Exceptionally Old’ Tawny, $50

Easily one of the best fortified wines in the Barossa (if not the country) and one with an excellent family story. The base comes from a blend started in 1947. Golden toffee, smoky oak and golden raisin notes meet cinnamon and cigar box spices. Drink on its own, pour over ice cream or over sticky date pudding. david-franz.com