2019 Collector Marked Tree Red Shiraz, Canberra District

Hand-picked fruit off several sites around Murrumbateman, whole bunches in open fermenters with pigeage; aged in new and used French oak for 8 months. An excellent dark red befitting a structured wine, but this is not weighty. Full of dark cherries, licorice, fennel plus cedary oak, yet it sits right in the savoury camp, with ripe tannins and a flourish across the medium-bodied palate to a lightly dry finish.

94 points Special Value Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion

Collector Wines was founded by Alex McKay, one of the Canberra District's most thoughtful and respected winemakers. Since establishing the winery in 2005, Alex has earned a loyal following for wines that combine regional character with elegance and restraint, helping redefine perceptions of cool climate Australian Shiraz along the way.

Marked Tree Red takes its name from a centuries old scar tree that once stood on the property, a reminder of the region's deep Indigenous history and connection to the landscape. Sourced from carefully selected vineyards across the Canberra District, the wine reflects the region's cool nights, warm days and long ripening season that allow Shiraz to develop spice, perfume and finesse rather than sheer weight.

The colour is a deep crimson with vibrant purple hues. Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry and plum leap from the glass alongside cracked pepper, star anise, violets and hints of smoked meats. The palate is medium bodied and beautifully composed, balancing dark berry fruit with savoury spice and fine tannins. Notes of liquorice, graphite and gentle oak complexity emerge with air, while the finish is long, fresh and distinctly cool climate in character.

A natural partner for rosemary scented lamb, slow cooked beef cheeks, mushroom and black olive ragù or chargrilled eggplant with tahini and pomegranate. Drinking beautifully now with a decant, while the structure and balance suggest excellent drinking through to the mid 2030s.