Geoff Merrill Jacko’s Shiraz McLaren Vale 2017

The wine is named  after Michael “Jacko” James, who worked in the cellars until he tragically passed at the early age of 26. It is a nice tribute. The wine spent 28 months in a mix of French and American oak, both new and older. Dark garnet in colour, this is a plush and generous style, full of chocolate. There are notes of spices, bay leaves, vanilla, blackfruits, mulberries and an earthy undertow with depth and concentration, bright acidity and good persistence. Showing good focus and sleek tannins, enjoy this over the next six to eight years. A fine tribute, indeed.