James Halliday: At the dark end of the Shiraz spectrum with fresh and confit blackberry and mulled spices on offer; the palate is unctuous and rich, with plenty of sweet dark fruit given lift by a subtle dollop of black pepper; soft and generous on the finish. Rating: 94

Dalwhinnie vineyard is situated in a unique amphitheatre that has its own meso climate. The vineyard is situated on the 37th parallel south and the poor and fragile soils from left over alluvial mining areas in the early 1800's are some of the hardest and hungriest you will ever see. However, the climate and soils seem well suited to the production of complex shiraz and that is why they specialize in this great variety.

The 2008 Pinnacle Shiraz comes off Grampian’s Best clone vines planted in 1997. Very deep garnet purple in color, it’s a little mute to begin producing pretty aromas of violets, black pepper, dark chocolate, black cherries and earth. Very crisp in the mouth, it has a medium-high level of very fine, velvety tannins and meaty, savory, spicy flavors coming through in layers. Full-bodied and rich, this wine has a very long finish.