2019 Smidge White Label The Ging Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Smidge White Label The Ging Shiraz is a classic McLaren Vale wine with a strong sense of place and a bit of personality to match its name. The fruit comes from The Ging vineyard in Blewitt Springs, an area famous for its deep sandy soils over ironstone that naturally produce perfumed, medium bodied Shiraz with fine tannins and lifted aromatics. This is a part of McLaren Vale where elegance often trumps sheer power, and it shows clearly here.

Smidge is the project of Matt Wenk and Melissa Brown, two winemakers who have been part of the modern McLaren Vale story for decades. Their approach is hands on, thoughtful and quietly confident, focusing on low yields, careful picking and minimal interference in the winery. The White Label range is all about site expression, and The Ging is one of their most distinctive vineyards.

Aromatically, this Shiraz leans into Blewitt Springs charm rather than brute force. There are dark cherries, blackberries and plum, but also plenty of spice, violets, dried herbs and a gentle earthiness. The palate is supple and flowing, with fine grained tannins, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. It feels layered and detailed rather than heavy, with real drinkability.

This is a superb food wine. It shines with slow cooked lamb, grilled sausages, spiced eggplant, barbecued meats or anything cooked over charcoal. The balance and perfume also make it surprisingly versatile at the table.

Smidge White Label The Ging Shiraz is drinking beautifully now but will continue to evolve over six to ten years, gaining more savoury complexity and softness with time. It is a great example of why Blewitt Springs remains one of McLaren Vale’s most exciting subregions and why Smidge has earned such a loyal following.