Sour cherries, redcurrants, earth and cedar provide an alluring first sniff. On the palate, blackberries, spice, aniseed and some charry notes come along for the ride in a wine that avoids the confectionary pitfalls that can spoil a good GSM blend. Instead it leans towards a savoury profile with sweet fruit highlights. Layered and long, the Soul Growers team have produced another outstanding wine that fits comfortably within a house style that eschews mediocre regional expression in favour of selecting the best fruit and blending it for a true wine experience. -JP

This premium release follows in the classic style of the outstanding Soul Growers Shiraz 2006. As a comparison, the 2007 is slightly more savoury. Made in tiny quantities from the best barrels of the vintage, it remains a superb example of Barossan Shiraz, with wonderful length. The rich dark berry fruit palate is complemented by new oak complexity with depth of flavour and elegant mouth feel. Seemlessly combines fine tannins and fruit quality leading to wonderful length. It will undoubtedly reward patient cellaring for years. -CE

A truly Australian blend of equal amounts Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz sourced from vines as old as 85 years and hand made using traditional methods; small parcel open fermentation and basket pressing with no fining or filtration. It's aged for two years in all old oak, allowing the fruit to express itself without interference. Cassis and liquorice launch onto the front palate before the wine moves onto mulberry, redcurrants and brown spice. The Cabernet really begins to assert itself with leafy aspects and savouriness from mid-palate onwards and the flow from lush juiciness to a sterner tannin structured finish is seamless. -JP