Geoff Merrill Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016

From a stunning vintage, this is really good value. Compare it to other prestige reds, especially those with considerable time in the cellar already, and this seems like a steal. In the end, all that matters is whether or not it is a good wine. And it is extremely good. The wine spent 29 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels, all new. Deep maroon, even with eight years ageing, the wine is still poised and taut, and still needs time. The nose exhibits notes of dry herbs, mocha, coffee beans and cocoa powder all supported by black fruits, plums, mulberries and cigar boxes. There are silky tannins, immaculate balance plus extreme length and it carries all before it. This still has a twenty year future.