***** drink now
Mitchell Wines "Peppertree Vineyard" Shiraz 2004
Adelaide Hills $24.50
Pepper (what else?) and black plum aromas ooze from the glass of this opulent red. The deftly handled oak, 12 months in French barrique, is unobtrusive adding gorgeous texture and interest to this medium to full-bodied gem. The flavours are layered and in the ripe, juicy Bing cherry and dark chocolate zones. Wisely bottled under screw cap this would be the perfect foil to rack of lamb. Order by the case from the www.liffordwineagency.com site. (VH)

***** drink or cellar
Shaw and Smith "M3 Vineyard" Chardonnay 2005
Adelaide Hills $39.50
This stunning barrel fermented wine showcases cool climate Adelaide Hills fruit; hand harvested at peak then allowed to express itself with minimal intervention in the winery. Complex and full fruit flavour in the citrus, apple and pear zones coalesce with a plush mouth feel and spicy tang. The finish is sophisticated offering a melange of mineral, peach and melon sensations. Order by the case from the www.liffordwineagency.com site in convenient cases of six. (VH)

****1/2 drink now
Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Adelaide Hills $25.50
Textbook Adelaide Hills, this displays the clean refreshing characteristics of SB along with a gloriously rich mouth feel. Expect green nettles, grassy and mineral aromatics then a lovely gusher of flavours including citrus and nectarine that washes over the plate in glorious layers. The finish is lengthy and refreshing. Made for seafood or goat cheese salad. Order by the case from the www.liffordwineagency.com site. (VH)

****1/2 drink now
Shingleback "Black Bubbles" Sparkling Shiraz 2003
McLaren Vale $43.95
This is serious multi-vintage bubbly with all the earmarks of fine wine. Vinified dry from prime fruit and made in the classic style, as in Champagne, expect a gorgeous mousse attack on the palate followed by a creamy texture and ladles of Bing cherry and brambleberry flavours coupled with enough tannin to provide grip and great tang for balance. Divine with old cheddar or dark chocolate. Order by the case from the www.liffordwineagency.com site in convenient cases of six. (VH)

***** drink or cellar
Shingleback Shiraz 2003
McLaren Vale $28.95
An enduring McLaren Vale drought produced tiny berries and miniscule yields. The result is rich, concentrated fruit fashioning this wondrous red. Pepper and mulberry on the nose, the palate is drenched with rich, juicy black plum, kirsch and savoury flavours. Lovely texture and interest from finely-grained tannins and deft balance from a dollop of moderating tang mark this a keeper; drink now to 2012. Order by the case from the www.liffordwineagency.com site. (VH).