Just a 45-minute drive south of Adelaide in the heart of one of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wine regions, Mclaren Vale is a wine lover paradise. Best known for Shiraz, McLaren Vale also excels in the production of ultra-premium Cabernet and Grenache. These are full of richness and intensity and this StarDozen is a great place to start your Mclaren Vale journey with 3 bottles each from 4 renowned producers. All four wines have received 93 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics which serves to highlight the tremendous quality of the region.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles      Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
3 bottles      Pirramimma Ironstone Low Trellis Shiraz 2019
3 bottles      Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
3 bottles      Curtis Heritage McLaren Vale Grenache 2021

Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Dark purple, this is a richly flavoured warm climate Cabernet from McLaren Vale. There is certainly a touch of oak here, but nicely balanced with dark berries, cloves, leather, a hint of compost, blackberries and brambles. The usual process here is for a small percentage of new French oak to be used in maturation, which normally continues for around 18 months. There is good grip here, abundant but very fine tannins with intensity maintained throughout. Seriously enjoyable Cab, one which should drink well for at least a decade. Price: $25.00; Drink: 2022 - 2032; Rating: 94 Points; Ken Gargett; Wine Pilot

Pirramimma Ironstone Low Trellis Shiraz 2019
This is the epitome of the old adage ‘An iron fist in a velvet glove’. Dark and opaque in the glass. Brooding aromas of plums, panforte, graphite and vanilla. Full, rich and layered on the palate, dark fruits, dates, sweet spice, there’s a generosity and roundness of flavour, but the tannins provide firmness and structure and ensure the lush fruit behaves itself. A powerfully built, rich and structured wine. Drink: 2021 to 2036; Price: $70.00; Rating: 95 Points; Aaron Brasher; The Real Review

Curtis Small Batch McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2021
Immensely complex and enticing, the wine shows dark fruit richness, cake spice, toasted nut and potpourri characters on the nose. The superbly weighted palate delivers sumptuous mouthfeel combined with finely woven tannins, finishing impressively long and gratifying. At its best: now to 2037. Date: Oct 2023; Price: $80.00; Rating: 96 Points; Sam Kim; Wine Orbit

Varney McLaren Vale Grenache 2022
A finer vintage in some ways than its 2023 Limited Release sibling. Aromas of raspberries, bracken, black olives and dried sage. The tannins are talcy and briary with a saline edge, reminiscent of nebbiolo and pinot noir. An intriguing expression of depth and considerable complexity typical of Blewitt Springs, an excellent region that’s on the rise. Drink or hold. Rating: 96 Points; James Suckling