Allegiance Wines The Tiger McLaren Vale Shiraz 2023

Fruit here is from a single vineyard located towards the southern end of McLaren Vale. After fermentation, the wine spent seven days on skins before malolactic fermentation, and then ten months in French oak, 15% new. An appealing near opaque maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of earth, licorice and molten chocolate. There are blackcurrants and coal dust, but it remains chocolate dominant with even a hint of orange rind. Big, bold and expressive, this is balanced, fresh, offers direction and has excellent length. Fine and rather satiny tannins, this is a cracker and will drink beautifully over the next ten to twelve years.