Barossa Boy Lifeblood Shiraz 2018

As a sixth generation Barossa winemaker, it’s no surprise that Trent Burge, the Barossa Boy, knows how to handle Shiraz. It’s the region’s signature variety, acknowledged by the name given to this wine, ‘Lifeblood’. The 2018 smells like a lavender bush in the height of spring, fragrant and enticing. There’s ripe blackberry, a hint of strawberry jam and cream (atop scones, Country Women’s Association style). There’s also a lovely spicy savoury character like the native grasses of the Aussie outback; brush and earth warmed by the sun. In the mouth it’s succulent and sensuous with black cherries, plump, ripe, plums, soft licorice coated in bittersweet dark chocolate and a black pepper spice. A youngster still, the tannins are fine but chalky and will soften further with food. Decant it to enjoy the complexity now or pop it in the cellar to experience a gentle evolution.