Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards Corrina’s Shiraz Cabernet 2023

A small batch, co-fermented field blend, made only in years when both varieties reach optimum ripeness at harvest. Remember the practice of giving out “warm fuzzies” as a child? This wine is a warm fuzzy on the nose; it’s balanced, inviting and comforting. Cabernet says hello with black fruit, a little bay leaf, dried violets, some black olive brine, tar and silken dark chocolate. Hand in hand with Shiraz, the latter offering up a little red dirt minerality, some red berried freshness, baking spice and a delicate peppery salumi note. There’s no shortage of fruit sweetness on the palate, with firm yet fine tannins lacing over the mouth like a tapestry. Mouth-filling yet not blocky, the weight largely centred on the mid-palate and finished with a sweet wood spiced lift. Yes, toasty oak and oak tannins are on show, but they are well balanced with the quality and intensity of the fruit. Crunchy acid keeps this on point.