2024 · Rose Red City Sangiovese

Collector Wines is a boutique Canberra District producer founded by Alex McKay, who remains its owner and primary winemaker. Sourcing grapes from local vineyards, McKay works with cool-climate varieties including Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Grüner Veltliner, Fiano and Sangiovese. The winery is particularly focused on finely crafted Shiraz designed for longevity, with an emphasis on complexity, balance and place. Its Chardonnay includes fruit from high-altitude Snowy Mountains foothill vineyards on weathered granite soils. Vineyard management aims to build soil carbon, improve water-holding capacity and increase biodiversity, without formal certifications being noted. McKay is described as thoughtful and quietly spoken, and the wines—especially the Reserve Shiraz and Tiger Tiger Chardonnay—have received significant critical acclaim.