2023 Rusden Ripper Creek Shiraz Cabernet, Vine Vale Barossa Valley

Rusden Ripper Creek Shiraz Cabernet from Vine Vale in the Barossa Valley is a bold, no-nonsense red that delivers classic Aussie generosity with a splash of flair. It’s a celebration of two powerhouse varieties — Shiraz for plush fruit and spice, Cabernet Sauvignon for backbone and structure — brought together with the Rusden family’s trademark hands-off, old-school approach. If ever a wine lived up to its name, Ripper Creek is it.

Grown in the sandy soils of Vine Vale, where warm days and cool nights preserve freshness, this blend showcases estate-grown fruit picked for ripeness and intensity. Winemaker Christian Canute keeps it real: wild ferments, basket pressing, and maturation in seasoned French oak to let the fruit do the talking. There’s no fining or filtration, just raw, honest Barossa wine with a bit of swagger.

On the nose, it bursts with ripe blackberry, plum, mulberry and crushed mint, with undercurrents of dark chocolate, liquorice and a faint leafy lift from the Cabernet. The Shiraz brings all the juicy fruit and warmth, while the Cabernet reins it in with fine tannins and a graphite edge. The palate is generous but balanced, with a long, spicy finish and just enough grit to remind you this is Barossa through and through.

Food pairing: Made for smoky BBQ ribs, lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, pepper steak, or portobello mushrooms stuffed with herbed breadcrumbs and feta. For cheese, try vintage Cheddar or aged Gouda.

Cellar potential: Delicious now for its energy and richness, but will hold nicely for 6 to 8 years as it mellows and picks up savoury depth.