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. 

Martins Vineyards sources fruit from a combination of owned vineyards and premium McLaren Vale growers. The blend of individual vineyard and sub-regional characteristics is the key to the resulting style. Sub regions are Blewitt Springs, McLaren Flat, Willunga and McLaren Vale.

Rich, opulent, smooth, seamless, and thoroughly engaging Shiraz from this excellent season in McLaren Vale. The nose is quite beautiful, almost pretty with its floral liqueur chocolate and dark plum lift. A little black cherry and some nice spices. The palate is concentrated and plush with flavours that wash endlessly across the palate, extending through to a very long finish. Love the slightly ironstone minerality on the finish that balances the plush sweet fruit. Excellent wine. Drink to: 2026-2038; Price: $150.00; Rating: 96 Points; Ray Jordan

Deep garnet with an opaque crimson core. The aroma is explosive revealing aromas of blackberry, black plum and ripe blueberry layered with dark chocolate, vanilla bean and freshly roasted coffee. The palate is concentrated delivering generous flavours of ripe black fruits supported by mocha, cocoa and sweet oak spice. Extended skin contact has produced excellent colour, depth and fine-grained tannin structure, while French oak maturation contributes texture and polish. Delightful. A super premium McLaren Vale Shiraz combining generous fruit concentration, meticulous French oak and impressive balance. Rated: 96 Points; Vino Masters

From a single vineyard and an excellent vintage for the region, this is how McLaren Vale Shiraz should be. The colour is near black with a dark maroon rim. Approachable and generous, on the nose we have notes of plums, tomato bushes, chocolate, blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, herbs and black fruits. The wine of power and intensity with satiny tannins and great length, this is quintessential McLaren Vale. Enjoy this anytime over the next twenty years. Drink to: 2026-2038; Price: $150.00; Rating: 95 Points; Ken Gargett