Nick Spencer Wines MDR Cabernet Shiraz Malbec Shiraz 2023

An old school ‘Australian Blend’ of Cabernet Shiraz (70%) and Shiraz (20%) with some Malbec (10%) for spice. The Cabernet and Malbec come from the Moppitty Vineyard in the cool Hilltops region while the Shiraz comes from Gundagai, 100kms to the south. A cacophony: Earth and pencil graphite, crushed kitchen herbs, cardamon pod, bay leaf, cigar butt, asphalt, cassis, bramble, boysenberry and nuances of vanilla bean paste. Holds your gaze (and palate) with intensity. The structural Cabernet allows the palate to stay in place long after a lesser wine would fall over. Velvety tannins are a wonderfully woven hall runner, studded with spice and purple/black fruit. The balance and depth are exemplary. Bargain.