Bleasdale Reserve Shiraz 2021 

Each day I find myself in this quandary – an uneven balance between want and need – exacerbated by renovations and a partner working in cost consultancy. There comes a point in your life where the carpenter takes precedence over Cru Chardonnay. Fortunately, we are blessed with saviours in Langhorne Creek like Bleasdale whom contest the proverbial you can’t have your cake (wine) and eat (drink) it. A bottle of their $30 Reserve Shiraz bears witness. Deep crimson, a pervading perfume of sweet berry fruit and floral lift are imbued with graphite and soy. An immediate people pleaser – there is abundance in flavour, layered by fruits of the forest, panforte, pomegranate, pine and Milo choc malt. And just like the latter, a heaping serve is destined. A wine of laudable composure, its oak evident yet respectful providing support and structure without detracting from the fruit. Very Langhorne Creek. Over time an earthiness evolves, while sweet vanillin ricochets off cushiony tannins to a finish that sees greater length than a majority of my $30 purchases.