2022 Campbells Bobbie Burns Shiraz, Rutherglen

There's a reason why Bobbie Burns strikes a chord, and it's not just the tiny price, it's the honesty it brings to the glass. Devoid of pretence or fancy winemaking, it remains a pure country wine in the best sense. Juicy black fruits, licorice strap, acacia and earth wrapped in the tidiest of oak and rolled into a delightful ode to Rutherglen old vine shiraz. Timeless appeal.

95 points Special Value Jeni Port winecompanion.com.au

Campbells Bobbie Burns Shiraz is a true Rutherglen classic. First released in 1972, this wine has become a regional icon and a benchmark for warm-climate Australian Shiraz. It reflects the richness and generosity of Rutherglen while maintaining balance, freshness and structure. Named after the local parish of Bobbie Burns, this is a wine with a loyal following and a long history of consistency and value.

The fruit is sourced from mature vines grown on red loam soils over clay. Warm days and cool nights help the grapes ripen fully while retaining brightness. Fermentation is done in open-top vessels with regular plunging, and the wine is then matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels for around a year.

The nose offers ripe blackberry, plum, sweet spice, mocha and a touch of vanilla. On the palate it is full bodied and velvety with generous black fruit, soft tannins and hints of chocolate, anise and warm spice. It finishes long and supple with a gentle savoury edge that keeps it from ever feeling too heavy.

Food pairing: ideal with grilled lamb chops, beef stew, mushroom and lentil pie or barbecued sausages with caramelised onions. Also great with aged cheddar or a slow-roasted eggplant dish.

Cellar potential: approachable now but will evolve beautifully over 8 to 12 years, gaining more spice, leather and earthy complexity.