Luddite Shiraz (2006): The humour and simplicity of the label were surely a dead Aussie giveaway. And wow, that colour: purple and brooding with long, inky legs. On the nose, heavy notes of raisin and dark chocolate, and a lingering hint of cinnamon. An hour or so in the decanter to soften and it makes even more of an impression. Rich plum and cherry in the mouth give the wine a powerful dimension, but its high level of acidity counters most of its overpowering qualities. A big, bold Shiraz, probably one of Barossa Valley’s finest. No: Stellenbosch, South Africa! The 14% alcohol level does require a suitable food-match, however; for us, homemade hamburgers stood up to its richness nicely. The only clincher is its price tag. Well, that and you can get some equally decent stuff at less than half the price from Australia. I’ve seen it crop up on restaurant lists with an extortionate mark up (around £70), so it’s probably one for home. You wouldn’t want to drink it everyday, but for an interesting, special occasion wine give it a go. (Slurp, £21.35) 7.5/10