2023 Howard Park Flint Rock Shiraz, Great Southern

Intense dark-red hue, and intense flavours, too. Loads of brown spices, some pepper and mace infuse the black plums, squid ink and ferrous. Full bodied and rich, but what’s pleasing, it’s not weighty or heavy – the palate is supple as the tannins are plump and soft, then the acidity keeps everything on track. Good drink in anyone’s book.

93 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Howard Park Flint Rock Shiraz from Western Australia's Great Southern region is a finely tuned, cool-climate expression of Shiraz that combines elegance, spice and structure with effortless drinkability. Sourced primarily from the Mount Barker and Frankland River subregions, where gravelly soils and a long growing season shape grapes of aromatic purity and natural balance, this wine showcases the subtle side of Australian Shiraz.

Howard Park, one of WA’s most respected producers, takes a regionally focused approach with the Flint Rock range, and the Shiraz is a standout for its freshness and refinement. Winemaking is led by Chief Winemaker Nic Bowen, who uses small-batch fermentations, gentle extraction, and maturation in a mix of French oak barriques and hogsheads to preserve fruit character while building complexity.

In the glass, the wine opens with lifted aromas of black cherry, blueberry, white pepper, violets and smoked spice. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and layers of dark fruit, earthy notes and savoury oak. It’s a Shiraz that offers depth without heaviness and spice without excess — a modern, regional expression that speaks of place.

Pair it with chargrilled lamb, venison with blackberry jus, or roasted eggplant with tahini and dukkah. This wine drinks beautifully now and will continue to evolve over the next 5 to 8 years.