2018 Rockbare Shiraz, McLaren Vale

If you’re after a light Shiraz, this is not the red for you. It’s inky black and dripping with ripe blackberries, dark chocolate and liquorice underpinned by mocha and spice. The voluptuous, fleshy mouth-feel is laden with velvet smooth tannins and a long, dark chocolate, spicy mocha and vanillin oak aftertaste. If you’re keen to cellar, 4-5 years would do it justice. Perfect for your next barbecue or steak night.

Sourced from two cooler sites, the elevage marked by the decision to use an arsenal of new and used French and American oak. A wise choice in warmer regions, at least in my opinion. Blueberry and tapenade notes, with elevated floral to iodine scents indicative of reductive lees work, sensitively handled. The emphasis is on fruit, with a loose bow of tension ensuring ye' olde line and length.