2023 Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache, McLaren Vale

Equal portions of shiraz and grenache (48% each) with the balance mataro (4%). As always for Paxton, this is certified organic, biodynamic and sustainable. In this cooler year, there’s a keen balance of intensity and vibrancy. Cherry and forest berries, a fringe of woody herbs, dark spices, some sauvage notes, the impact mid-weight. A fine drink, with the value equation in the drinker’s favour. Drink 2025 to 2030.

91 points Special Value Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026

David Paxton is one of McLaren Vale's most respected viticulturalists with a career built not on winemaking but on growing exceptional fruit. His vineyards have been certified organic and biodynamic since 2011.

Winemaker Ashleigh Seymour came to Paxton after a decade of immersion in biodynamic thinking in Italy. This influenced not just her view on farming but the way she approaches life and the rhythm of the seasons. Her approach is to guide the wine rather than direct: getting it right in the vineyard first, then keeping the wine under wraps as it finds its own way. It's a natural fit for a producer whose reputation was built on viticulture, long before it was built on winemaking.

The AAA on the label is a nod to David Paxton's earlier life in the wool trade, where the mark was stamped on the finest grade of fleece. The wine is a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro drawn from select parcels across the estate, with Shiraz sourced from the Gateway and Jones Block vineyards. Individual parcels are fermented separately in open-top and static fermenters with partial whole bunches before pressing to seasoned French oak, keeping the winemaking light and the fruit at the fore.

The 2023 vintage brought cooler conditions that suit a blend like this well — the result has real freshness and mid-weight impact rather than density. Cherry and forest berries on the nose with woody herbs, dark spice and a savoury edge from the whole bunches. The palate is vibrant and well-balanced.

An easy wine to reach for, and genuinely good value. Try with some slow-roasted eggplant with tomato, chickpeas and ras-el-hanout, finished with yoghurt and fresh herbs.