We all know the Barossa, and likely this icon of a wine, but do we really know it’s history? Introducing to you pioneers of this famed region, with this winery established over 150 years ago. They show no mercy when it comes to staying true to the region: meaty, bold, and focused reds with a whole lot of character. You know what we’re talking about: eye-catching hues of purple, soft and silky tannins, and more plummy goodness than you can poke a stick at. There’s cherry and rhubarb sure, but we’re talking unapologetic notes of chocolate, toasty oak and handfuls of freshly cracked pepper. It’s a showstopper, and built to impress even the most discerning of critics.

A special series wine from a prominent McLaren Vale winery isn’t something that’s easy to get our hands on. And we mean, sometimes this stuff can’t even be picked up when you bang on the doors of wineries themselves. So, safe to say we were jumping for joy to land this beauty from Curtis. Intensely dense, which sounds just as smooth as it drinks. Heightened aromas of blackcurrant and black cherries waft enticingly from the decanter, which help to open this to its full potential. The oak influence is superbly balanced, helping to lift the marked quality of the fruit and give this beauty the longevity it deserves. Sometimes you say we spoil you mofos, and we’re starting to think that you’re right.

Simply put: this is phenomenal wine. Made from old vines and sourced from two vineyards, the fruit is treated with gentle, loving care in the winery before being laid to rest in 30% new French oak. The result is an elegant and powerful wine that leaps from the glass with immense complexity. There’s blueberry, blackberry, plum, baking spices and cedar on both the nose and palate. Of course with a wine of this magnitude, there is no rush to drink so feel free to let it rest for a decade or more.