For most Australian wine lovers, the Barossa Valley has traditionally been a source big and bold Shiraz, but from their small corner up on the eastern ridge of the Barossa foothills, Bethany is a producer turning all these preconceived notions on their heads with their cool-climate wines.

A really 'quite lovely example of shiraz grown in a temperate climate' in the eyes of James Halliday, the tiny production Bethany East Grounds Shiraz 2017 comes from the highest altitude vineyard on the estate. Receiving a gold medal and a massive 97 points from Halliday, its highest score ever, the 2017 also offers exceptional value in the context of high-quality Barossa Shiraz, costing only just over £29 per bottle IB.

With a lifted and pretty nose of red cherries, rose petals and savoury spice, this medium-bodied Shiraz has an incredibly 'supple palate' (JH). The deftly framed oak and soft, fine grained tannins provide a pacy structure and good length. Made in tiny quantities of only around 500 cases each vintage, the East Grounds Shiraz is super sought-after in Australia and rarely makes it onto the international market, with no cases of back vintages available on the market globally.

Sourced from the Homestead vineyard planted along the foothills above Schlenkes Gully, as the estate's highest altitude vineyard it receives the full force of the cooling breezes that work so well to maintain elegance and finesse along the Eastern Ridge of the Barossa.

Released at the excellent value of only £175 per case IB, and as such a rarity, it is a real pleasure to be able to offer the Bethany East Grounds Shiraz 2017. Australian wine lovers really need to jump on the chance to secure a case of this cool-climate Barossa as they may never get this opportunity again.