2022 Scotchmans Hill Shiraz, Bellarine Peninsula

Another excellent and well-priced shiraz from the team at Scotchmans Hill. This one opens with red and black fruits, freshly cracked pepper and hints of incense and allspice. Elegant, medium bodied and persistent on the palate before finishing with subtle, silky tannins. A pleasure to drink from the get-go.

95 points Special Value Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Scotchmans Hill has been one of the Bellarine Peninsula's benchmark producers since the vineyard was first planted in 1982 by the Browne family overlooking the waters of Port Phillip Bay. The estate has built its reputation on cool climate wines of elegance and balance, with the maritime influence of the peninsula shaping every vintage.

The vineyards enjoy long sunny days tempered by cooling sea breezes from Port Phillip and Bass Strait, allowing Shiraz to ripen slowly while retaining freshness and aromatic detail. Rather than chasing weight and power, the Bellarine Peninsula produces a more refined and savoury expression of Shiraz, one built on spice, perfume and texture.

The colour is a deep ruby red with flashes of purple at the rim. Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry and plum are joined by cracked pepper, star anise and hints of violet and cedar. The palate is medium bodied and beautifully balanced, layering dark berry fruit with savoury spice and silky tannins. Notes of liquorice, graphite and subtle oak emerge with air, while the finish remains fresh, elegant and distinctly maritime in character.

This is a wonderful partner for lamb cutlets with rosemary, chargrilled sausages, mushroom and lentil pie or slow roasted eggplant with cumin and yoghurt. Enjoy over the next six to ten years as additional savoury complexity develops.