In 2007 James Halliday awarded Paringa the title of ‘Best Winery in Australia’, not a bad effort for former school teacher Lindsay McCall who heads up the operation. McCall was one of the early pioneers in Mornington, who boldly experimented with different styles and possibilities in the region and quickly earned himself an impressive reputation, despite his humble beginnings as a teacher. He was the first to recognise the potential of the Mornington Peninsula for Australia’s favourite grape – Shiraz, and thank God he did. The result is the exact wine we have today, a spicy, dark, cool-climate Shiraz. Elegant and refined, a testament to the efforts of an exceptionally gifted winemaker.

In the glass, aromas of black pepper, blackberry and plum waft invitingly and lead the way into a flavoursome palate, which is savoury and textured. Fine-grained tannins give outstanding structure, balance and palate length. This is an excellent Paringa Shiraz that can be enjoyed young with food but will also cellar well for the next 20 years.