Amicus is a winemaking venture set up by three friends including well known winemaker Walter Clappis, who is the only Australian winemaker to have won the prestigious Dan Murphy Trophy three times. It’s based in Mclaren Vale although they source all their grapes from their own vineyard in nearby Langhorne Creek which is managed biodynamically without pesticides or herbicides. The wines are only made in tiny amounts and are rather exclusive having already developed a cult status in Australia.

What’s it like? Where can I buy it?

Delicious. Big fruit flavours with great balance between acid, tannin and alcohol. Very smooth and very long on the finish too. This is a wine to be savoured without food.

It’s difficult to find in the UK but www.goodwineonline.co.uk have Amicus Shiraz Cabernet Malbec 2003 Mclaren Vale available at £12.49