Shiraz is Australia's favourite red grape. It is most impressive in the Rhone Valley of France, where it makes wines so great, such as Hermitage, that we borrowed not only the variety, but the name as well! What we left to the French was the techniques they use in the vineyard and cellars. We are now rediscovering these old ways of doing things.

Hand picked fruit from our gnarled 85 year-old Shiraz vines. Steeped on its skins for three weeks before gentle pressing and 18 months in oak, 1/3 of which was new. More complex than brutish, rich but not heavy it is full of aromas of spiced plum, dried herbs and anise with ripe berry-fruit flavours and gorgeous fine tannins. Made with techniques from the past this was a new beginning for Shiraz at All Saints Estate.

Great Shiraz from this region has lovely rich fruit and a characteristic mineral, briny element. This makes it a great match for roast lamb, particularly if you go to the trouble of stuffing or studding it with herbs, garlic and pancetta.