2023 Paxton Queen of the Hive Shiraz Mataro, McLaren Vale

Shiraz edges the mataro in the blend a little less this year, approaching parity (53.5% to 46.5%). The style remains true, though, with some darker, briary fruit, boysenberry, a flush of florals, some iodine, iron, nori and inky yet bright flavourful-ness. There’s a little leather and earth, too. It’s pitched in a friendly key, made for engagement at table, but with a little ambition that outpaces the modest ticket price.

91 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Built around power, perfume and McLaren Vale personality, Paxton Queen of the Hive Shiraz Mataro is a bold yet finely balanced blend that reflects both site and biodynamic farming at its best. Drawn from Paxton’s biodynamically farmed vineyards, this wine brings together Shiraz and Mataro in a classic southern Rhône inspired pairing, where Shiraz provides richness and generosity while Mataro contributes savoury depth, structure and earthy complexity. The warm Vale climate, tempered by cooling Gulf St Vincent breezes, allows full flavour development while maintaining freshness and line, giving the wine both muscle and detail.

In the glass it shows a deep, inky purple with youthful intensity. Aromas are dark and expressive, with blackberry, black plum and blueberry layered with liquorice, black pepper, smoked meat and dried herbs. The palate is full bodied and richly textured, with dense dark fruit, firm but polished tannins and a bright acid thread that keeps the wine energetic rather than heavy. Mataro brings a savoury, almost ferrous edge through the mid palate and finish, adding complexity and serious food appeal.

This is superb with slow cooked lamb, barbecue, beef short ribs, spiced sausages and rich Mediterranean dishes. While generous and approachable with air, it is built to cellar for ten to fifteen years, evolving toward more earthy, leathery and savoury tertiary characters over time.