Far from a wine of terroir, this is an ode to Australia’s traditional path to recognition: seemless, invisible regional blends. After all, Coonawarra is doyen of cabernet; McLaren Vale, a very warm climatic expression of shiraz. As a blend, they deliver the best of both worlds; choc-mint after-dnner notes of Coonawarra, laden with some directive astringency; the salubrious brood of McLaren Vale’s darker fruited turf, tidied up with lashings of vanillin oak.

James Halliday, 2019

Dense and succulent, offering a terrific mix of savory, sandalwood, mineral, loam and rosemary details that mingle with plump blackberry and plum flavors, showing touches of Kalamata olive and black licorice. All of the power is wrapped up in velvety tannins. Long finish. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2034

MaryAnn Worobiec, October 2020