2023 Brave Souls The Whaler Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Bright magenta-splashed crimson with aromas of juicy plum, blueberry and boysenberry fruits with hints of baking spices, violets, citrus blossom, ironstone, licorice and earth. The tannins are powdery fine, filtering down through the pure dark and black fruits. I really enjoyed the last release of this wine and it's more of the same this year. Super value again.

94 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Brave Souls The Whaler Shiraz from the Barossa Valley is a bold, generously flavoured red that captures the essence of the region's classic Shiraz style with a modern, polished edge. Named in tribute to the unsung maritime heroes of South Australia’s past, The Whaler is all about rich fruit, supple tannins, and a generous palate that delivers both impact and approachability.

Sourced from carefully selected vineyards in the Barossa’s warmer sites, the fruit is picked for ripeness and concentration, then fermented in stainless steel and aged in a mix of French and American oak to build structure and spice. The winemaking leans toward accessibility without sacrificing depth, offering a plush and expressive wine that’s ready to drink now but has the bones to hold a few years in the cellar.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, vanilla, cocoa and black pepper. The palate is full bodied and velvety, with juicy black fruit, mocha, cloves and a hint of licorice. Soft tannins and sweet oak round out the wine, giving it a warming, generous finish.

Food pairing: ideal with barbecued meats, beef and mushroom pie, lamb shoulder with rosemary, or a smoky eggplant stew. Also great with aged cheddar or a wedge of blue cheese.

Cellar potential: drink now to 2028. Best enjoyed young for its fruit richness, though it will soften and integrate further over the next few years.