2023 Tin Shed Wines Melting Pot Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Mid-crimson with enticing aromas of chocolate-dipped cherries, plum, baking spices, purple flowers, pan juices, fruitcake and earth. It's all plum and boysenberry on the palate, at the lighter end of full bodied with a chalky tannin presence, lacy acidity and a smooth finish that leaves memories of Christmas cake with plum sauce.

92 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Tin Shed Wines Melting Pot Shiraz from the Barossa Valley is a bold, generous red that captures the warmth, depth and honest character of the region with a touch of modern restraint. This is not a blockbuster bruiser, but a wine that shows plush fruit, spice and structure in balance — a true expression of the Barossa's diverse vineyard sources blended seamlessly, hence the name Melting Pot.

The fruit is sourced from a handful of trusted growers around the Valley, with an emphasis on older vines and sustainably farmed blocks. Fermentation is wild and takes place in small open fermenters with gentle plunging, before the wine is matured in seasoned French oak for 12 to 18 months. There's no new oak here, just enough barrel ageing to soften the edges and build complexity while keeping the fruit front and centre.

On the nose it offers blackberry, plum, dark cherry, star anise, cocoa and cracked pepper. The palate is full bodied but supple, with rich dark fruit, black olive, earthy spice and a touch of savoury oak. Tannins are ripe and integrated, giving the wine a long, dry, slightly rustic finish that’s all about character and drinkability.

Food pairing: excellent with grilled ribeye, slow-roast lamb shoulder, smoky barbecue dishes, or mushroom and lentil stew. Also great with aged cheddar or charred vegetables.

Cellar potential: drinking well now, especially with a decant, and will evolve over the next 8 to 10 years, developing more spice and earthy complexity.