1991 Plantagenet Shiraz, Mount Barker, Great Southern. 1991 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley. 1991 Wendouree Shiraz, Clare Valley. 2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. Day One. Australia’s Fine Wine.

Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. The 2007 Lytton Estate Syrah/Grenache ** is also tight, almost light, almost too searing, with blue fruits and tons of tannin.