Balgownie Bendigo Maiden Gully Shiraz Cabernet 2016

If you’ve ever visited Balgownie’s Bendigo cellar door, you’ll know that Maiden Gully is the bucolic area in which it’s located. The nose is quite pronounced, showing that the Maiden Gully has fully matured, with all its characters lying in the tertiary realm: dried red and black fruits, dark chocolate, cigar box, prune, and some fine oak. These notes are mirrored on the palate, which also has grippy, integrated tannins, and the acid is surprisingly fresh. I feel this wine has reached its peak, so pairing it with something rich and/or spicy would be the ideal way to enjoy it.