5 | Wine | Mclaren Vale, $10 to $20, 750 ml

"Smooth, velvety and appealing for its juicy blackberry and cherry flavors, zinging through the lively, wet earth-tinged finish."

"Inky purple. Ripe plum and cherry on the nose, with complicating spice and dark chocolate qualities. Offers an array of dark fruit flavors that show very good depth and a touch of cracked pepper. Soft tannins add grip to a long, smooth finish. Serve this hefty wine with assertively seasoned grilled beef or lamb."

"Dark ruby. Spicy cherry and redcurrant scents are complicated by dusty herbs and minerals. Red fruit flavors are braced by zesty acidity and pick up bitter chocolate and anise accents with air. Finishes on a spicy note with good smoky persistence."

"Deep purple black in color, the 2011 Red Silk Shiraz is scented of macerated black plums, crushed blackberries and black currants with underlying black pepper and Indian spice hints. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of youthful black berry and pepper flavors on offer in the mouth, it has a solid backbone of medium to firm grainy tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing with good length."

"A spicy, refreshing white, brimming with citrusy pear, nutmeg and lychee flavors. Lingers easily on the polished finish."

"Complex bouquet of red berry preserves complemented by minerals, fresh flowers, anise and white pepper. At once rich and lively on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and candied rose flavors, a silky texture and strong mineral snap. There's a pinot-like clarity and energy here that I like. Finishes sweet and long, with the floral note echoing. This wine has a solid track record for aging."

"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2010 Lodge Hill Shiraz gives notes of black cherries, blackberries and black plums over freshly cracked black pepper, dried Mediterranean herbs and lavender. Medium to full bodied and with very crisp acid, it fills the mouth with vibrant berry flavors textured with a medium level of fine grained tannins, finishing long and a little herbal."