2023 Bleasdale Generations Shiraz, Langhorne Creek

For the price, for the quality, hard to beat. A gorgeous dark purple hue. Fruit the same colour – all plums and currants, which come lightly spiced with licorice, mint and some cedary oak. Nothing out of place, the tannins ripe and supple, the acidity cleansing, the palate assured and just medium bodied. Langhorne Creek and shiraz, they are simpatico.

95 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Bleasdale’s Generations range celebrates the family’s long connection to Langhorne Creek, a region that quietly turns out some of Australia’s best value Shiraz. Founded in 1850, Bleasdale has always leaned toward balance over brute force, and this 2023 captures that easy confidence, generous fruit, spice and plenty of drinkability without becoming heavy.

Dark plum, blackberry and black cherry come charging out first, followed by cracked pepper, dark chocolate and a little lick of warm spice. There’s a softness to the aromatics that makes it feel inviting straight away.

Everything flows easily here. The fruit is plush and generous, wrapped in velvety tannins that keep things smooth rather than firm. Spice and mocha build through the middle, while enough freshness sits underneath to stop it feeling weighed down. The finish lingers on ripe dark fruit and peppery warmth.

This is built for relaxed, flavour packed meals. Think sticky lamb ribs, smoky sausages or a slow cooked beef pie, but it’s also excellent with charred mushrooms, smoky eggplant parmigiana or a roasted pumpkin pizza loaded with herbs and chilli oil. It’s the sort of wine that wants a crowded table and second helpings.

Drinking beautifully now while the fruit is full of life, though it will hold comfortably over the next few years.

There’s a real generosity here, a proper Australian Shiraz that delivers flavour, warmth and outstanding value without trying too hard.