Gibson Wines ‘The Dirtman’ Shiraz 2019

The name, ‘Dirtman’, is a nod to the well known and highly respected Rob Gibson, the man behind the label – as well as being one of his nicknames (my first thought was that it might be a tribute to some sort of Mafia hitman and his disposal habits). 

This is sourced from both the Barossa and Eden Valleys (the exact split is not provided but I’d be guessing predominantly Barossa) and spent 18 months in a mix of new and older American oak hogsheads. At $39, it is tremendous value. 

Purples and very dark reds. There is that utterly decadent plushness one sees in really good Barossa Shiraz, in spades. Plums, black cherries, coffee beans, a touch of toasty oak with some vanillin spices, but it is in no way intrusive, plus mulberries too. Imagine the smell from crushing a handful of mixed berries in your fist as they drip out. Supple and satiny, it shows mouthcoating tannins, but they are ever so soft, and then finishing with seriously good length. Juicy flavours and a solid future, but really delicious now. Love it.