K1 by Geoff Hardy Middle Hill Shiraz 2022

From the Kuitpo sub-region of the Adelaide Hills, this is under Diam. It is called the Middle Hill Shiraz because it comes from the middle hill in their K1 vineyard. Perhaps not the most thrilling and romantic reason for a wine name, but there you have it. What you also have is a wine of seriously good value. Maturation is for the best part of a year and a half in French oak, a significant portion of it new. Adelaide Hills Shiraz rarely gets the accolades it deserves and wines like this show why that is so unjust. I know, you’ll say what about all the medals the region garners but arrange a Shiraz lunch with your wine-loving mates and see how many turn up with an Adelaide Hills example. Their loss. A dark maroon hue, there is very good oak integration here. The nose reveals notes of plums, cassis, spices, leather, coffee beans, cocoa powder, blackberries and mocha. The wine is generous and approachable with a sleek and slippery texture. Good balance and serious length, through to silky tannins, the palate sees the emergence of more chocolate notes. It should drink beautifully for ten to fifteen years. Surely, at this price, you can’t find a reason not to put a case in your cellar.