Passing Clouds Bendigo ‘Loddon’ Shiraz 2023

Bendigo is a wine region that often punches above its weight, and the Passing Clouds Loddon Shiraz proves it yet again. Despite being two years old, the wine still has a very youthful appearance of purple with a touch of ruby. It needs a bit of time before it shows its true self but the wait is worth it. There are gorgeous aromas of mulberry, cassis, boysenberry, blueberry and a ferrous character, with smoke, dried red fruits and cured meats from some bottle age. The palate is a delight with its concentrated flavours, and despite being 16.5%ABV, the alcohol is hidden under layers of structure, tannin, acid and richness. This is a wine that is already presenting itself really well but it will improve in the bottle even more over the next 5-10 years. Delicious.