The new faces behind the Curtis Family Vineyards are Mark, Thomas & Jenna Curtis, with the guidance of their father, Claudio Curtis who lives on the vineyard just outside McLaren Vale. The name Curtis is thought to derive from Curtius, a noble and wealthy family of the First and Second Centuries AD, the Roman Empire era originating from the Latinium people. 

Its big and bold, lush and rich. Distinct black cherry and blackberry and fruit characters are married to sandalwood, new leather, black pepper and clove. A loud wine but finds joy in its softness and plush textural roll, staining the palate well and persisting with sweet fruit and wood spice. In all this, a sense of harmony in all its elements, making it a lip-smacking drink from the get-go. Price: $70.00; Rating: 94 Points; Mike Bennie

The famous Rhone blend done McLaren Vale style. And done seriously well. The colour here is a deep blood red. The nose exhibits notes of warm earth, vegemite, leather, milk chocolate and strawberries. There is a lovely explosion of flavour on the palate, more chocolate and cherries. The wine has bright acidity and silky tannins, is well balanced, offers excellent length and is a ten year proposition. Drink to: 2025-2034; Price: $70.00; Rating: 94 Points; Ken Gargett