Di Fabio Estate Bush Vine Shiraz 2016 

A melding of savoury cedar and sweet vanilla bean lead the charge, with a swirl of the glass revealing charred root vegetable earthiness, liquorice root, au jus, black plum, white pepper and milk chocolate. What begins as hefty oak integrates somewhat while still featuring prevalently. The palate has a creamy texture, with sweet vanilla oak at the fore followed by milk chocolate, plum jam, and blackberry compote. Mocha-laced tannins are firm-but-fine, providing a frame for good length through the finish along with minty acidity. This doesn’t shy away from oak nor ripeness at 14.6% and is somewhat reminiscent of a more old school style. Age has softened the edges however, and a hearty winter dish will put this in good stead.