2021 Gathering Field Shiraz, Yarra Valley

Natural fermentation with 20% whole bunches, matured in older French oak. A super-bright crimson purple. Fully deserving of its gold medal at the 2022 Yarra Valley Wine Show, this opens with aromas of blackcurrant pastilles, boysenberries, black pepper, floral notes and a little charcuterie. Just as good on the medium-bodied, youthful and very well-balanced palate, which finishes with gently chewy, very fine-grained tannins and a little spice.

96 points Special Value Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion

Gathering Field is a Yarra Valley label that celebrates the region's cooler climate and its ability to produce beautifully fragrant, finely structured reds. Shiraz is particularly well suited to the valley's temperate growing conditions, developing a distinctly elegant personality that favours spice, freshness and savoury complexity over sheer power.

The 2021 vintage was an excellent year in the Yarra Valley, with mild conditions allowing grapes to ripen slowly while retaining natural acidity. The result is a more restrained, aromatic style of Shiraz, where vibrant fruit and fine tannins take centre stage.

Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Black cherry, raspberry and dark plum mingle with cracked black pepper, violet and a touch of dried rosemary. The palate is supple and medium bodied, with juicy red and dark berries, fine grained tannins and a lovely savoury character. Hints of liquorice, olive tapenade and gentle spice linger through a fresh, beautifully balanced finish.

Try it with chargrilled lamb cutlets and salsa verde, smoky eggplant with spiced lentils and yoghurt, or duck breast with blackberries and thyme. Its fragrant, peppery character would also be excellent alongside grilled king oyster mushrooms with miso and sesame.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032. Already approachable, with enough freshness and structure to develop further savoury complexity.