Bec Hardy Reserve Shiraz 2019

The concept behind the ‘Reserve’ is, as they say – ‘some of our McLaren Vale parcels stand out from the others, these have more intensity, tannin and acidity. These parcels are kept separate and a higher proportion goes into new French oak’. The resulting wine is expected to show extra complexity and ageing potential for a decade, at least. This one ticks all the boxes and one suspects that the Hardy family, which traces its involvement in the Australian wine industry back for more than 150 years, would be very proud of what its latest member is doing. This is near opaque black. A mix of mulberries, raspberries and blackberries here. Roast meat, smoked notes and hints of the delicatessen. There is line and length too, and good focus. Well-structured, finely balanced and with satiny tannins, this is undoubtedly made for the long haul with not a hair out of place.