The Crayères vineyard is located at the top of a north-south limestone ridge in Wrattonbully, one of Australia’s most exciting regions. This vineyard has been baptised the Crayères Vineyard after the chalk cellars in Xavier’s region of birth in Champagne, France because of the natural limestone caves found underneath the vineyard.

Aged in seasoned French oak for 14 months, it's elemental and vigorous (as it should be) with a classical claret-like structure. It was also the highlight of four vintages(2014, 2018, 2021 & 2022). Intense cassis/ pure blackcurrant, blackberry hint brambly fruits are underpinned by fine-grained cedary/ firm tannins and roasted walnut, hint mocha notes. The Shiraz part of the blend (43%) brings an overall roundness and mid palate buoyancy. The wine has excellent flow and torque, suggesting a long life ahead in the cellar. Drink: 2028 to 2042; Rating: 96+ Points; Andrew Caillard MW | Vintage Journal

The cooler vintage in Wrattonbully has contributed to a stylish medium bodied wine of impeccable presentation and poise. The medium bodied fruit has been worked with only old French oak and foudres, so as not to overpower. Nice combination of black fruits with a red fruit lift in a perfumed style with deeper slightly meaty black fruit characters. The tannins are finely integrated in this wine of great poise that will continue to evolve with extended cellaring. Drink to: 2024-2039; Price: $59.00; Rating: 96 Points; Ray Jordan

57/43% cabernet sauvignon/shiraz. Matured in French oak barrels and foudres for 14 months. Raspberry gel, pomegranate juice and morello cherries in syrup. Blackberry wine gums, sage and thyme. This really encompasses the claret style, the ease of drinking and the ability to please an array of palates. Still knitting together, this wine will cellar very well, as it opens like a flower in slow motion. Tannins are lacy and fine with peaks of acidity dotted throughout the palate. Cinnamon, cumin and mace spice to finish. Drink to: 2034; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $59.00; Rating: 95 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

A classic Australian claret Wrattonbully style and this smashes the brief. Vibrant and downright delicious, this is a fabulous Cabernet Shiraz to rip into. Subtle earthiness, red cherries and dark chocolate aren't far from the action and do their best to steal the limelight. The structure and shape are most impressive but what strikes me is its detail and presence, and even after a few days of tasting, it presented an attractive glossy sheen. Glorious! Drink to eight years. Rating: 95 Points; Steve Leszczynski | Q Wine Reviews