2021 Bremerton Batonnage Shiraz Malbec, Langhorne Creek

68% shiraz, 32% malbec. Fermented and matured in French oak for 16 months, the malbec lees-stirred (batonnage). Lees stirring can be a tannin tamer, hence, the softness in this wine which is a feature. It helps emphasise the fruit, in all of its blackberry, black cherry, spicy plumminess. Smooth across the palate, fine in tannin and bursting with intensity, it's so good now. Ageing ability will be interesting to see.

The nose shows lifted violet and spice, complemented by a palate showing purity of varietal fruit. This red fruit and white spice is balanced by the structural complexity of fine French oak and a textural finish. Delicious to drink now, however it will develop more complexity with age.