Carlei Green Vineyards Cuvée Stephen Thomson Shiraz 2017

Stephen Thomson was a cellar hand who worked with Sergio Carlei at his Upper Beaconsfield winery. The winemaker has described him as “a force behind Carlei Wines.” This Heathcote shiraz is dedicated to his memory. The Cuvée boasts the hallmarks of Heathcote shiraz: the warmth of ripe, plush black fruit, the earthiness – with the region’s strong mineral composition apparent- spice and chocolate. The medium-bodied wine is guided by firm tannins – not exactly forceful – but they nevertheless make their presence known as the wine finishes with a dusty, cherry-pip tannin dryness. That astringent grip makes it a wine intended to accompany food.