The Story Wines was established in 2004 by Rory Lane and is a small independent winery sourcing fruit from vineyards in the Grampians, Henty and Whitlands regions of Victoria and turn them into wine. Each vintage there is a new story to tell; of plenty or pain, frenzied action and sumptuousness, the hard beauty of the land and its engaging subjects – those vineyards, people, small budgets and big emotions, all boiled down and bottled and drunk with gusto.

From three vineyards, with a variety of ferments for each, in all 46% whole bunches, very little new French oak. Opinions vary about whole bunches in fermenting shiraz, but I am on the support side. The colour hasn't suffered, and the spicy, savoury spine has no shortage of lingering red and black fruits draped around that spine. All up, medium-bodied and lively. Date Sept 2016; Alcohol: 13.5%; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion