McNicol Shiraz, Mitchell, Clare Valley, South Australia, 2008   

Grape: 100% dry grown Shiraz aged in 500 litre French oak for 24 months and then in bottle for 72 months before release. Largely whole bunch fermented with natural yeasts. High elevation vineyards at 400-500m above sea level.

Very dark red, almost black at the centre, garnet at the rim. Fragrant complex nose, with dark fruits (black cherries, blackberries and dark plums), dark chocolate and smoky/cedary oak; integrated and complete. Core of firm palate, dark fruit flavours supported by integrated oak and fine tannins. Medium to full-bodied, with a long dry finish that carries its 14.5% alcohol with ease. 

Now entering its optimum drinking period, this wine is elegant and classy. The primary fruit flavours of youth have given way to the more complex aromas and tastes of maturity. You can drink it now or allow it to develop further for up to five years at least. 

"Produced from five vineyards up and down the valley and matured in a 3,000-liter foudre, the 2008 McNicol Shiraz (yes, this is the current release!) offers up subtle hints of vanilla and baking spices, but those serve as mere accents to the intense mixed-berry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it's more generous than the Cabernet yet still silky in texture and fine and elegant on the finish. 94/100 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, February 2020.

Great with rare roast beef and Indian dishes.