Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas 2017 France

Tim Smith Bugalugs Shiraz 2019. This features aromas of blue and black fruit, a hint of spice and a slippery, glossy palate packed with flavour. It’s Barossa to its core. But there’s freshness here too, a cherry pip acidity and some peppery, earthy characters through the finish.

Yelland & Papps Shiraz 2016. Dark cherry-red in colour with vibrant fruit aromas of dark plum, macerated summer berry fruits along with higher tones of raspberry and redcurrant. Here are hints of deep exotic spice, Barossa earth, roasting meats, licorice, violets and gentle nutty French Oak nuances.

Medium-bodied on the palate with a lovely bright line across the palate and a sense of space to the mouthfeel. Once more the fruit flavours are of dark and black-fruits; dark plum, blackberry, mulberry with some blueberry and raspberry notes adding lift to the wine on the palate. Plenty of spicy notes, meaty nuances, floral lift and earthy tones mesh together on the palate. The finish lingers persistently and is pure and juicy with the fruit coming to the fore, gentle sandy tannins providing support and a bright line of acidity providing the drive. Elegant, delicious drinking from the excellent 2016 vintage.