Monterra was founded in 2012 on the basis of an undeniable admiration for almighty Mother Nature, and the desire to bring exceptional wines to Australian tables and beyond. The art of élevage is the skill of blending in the cellar, raising the potential of exceptional grapes to deliver something profound in the bottle. Meticulously blended parcels of wine, and the mystery of specially selected oak barrels deliver intense flavours, complexity and palate length. Élevage wines celebrate the honed skills and years of craftmanship.

This Shiraz leaps from the glass and fills the room with aromas – boysenberry, wild strawberry, mulberry, cinnamon, liquorice – all high toned and bright. The palate is big, juicy and full flavoured but with no rough edges, the chewy tannins sticking to the teeth, and the silky body pervading the mouth. Probably no surprise that it goes really well with a wide range of foods. At the price, it offers very good value. Date Tasted: November 2023; Price: $30.00; Rating: 93 Points; Brendan Black; Wine Pilot

Deep, dark and inky in the glass. Aromas of stewed plum, dried herbs, mocha, spice and mulberry. Rich, fleshy and mouth-filling, with plenty of flavour and firmness. Dark fruits, spice and bramble drive the palate and the acidity delivers shape and punch. Drink: 2023 to 2033; Price: $30.00; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 91 Points; Aaron Brasher; The Real Review