Pertaringa Undercover Shiraz McLaren Vale 2023

Naming the wine ‘undercover’ is a nod to McLaren Vale’s history of providing first class red grapes to so many other regions for so many years. Nowadays, Langhorne Creek probably fills that role. McLaren Vale is, thankfully, finally receiving the accolades it deserves. The fruit here came from three different vineyards in the region, planted between 20 and 140 years ago. Maturation was for 15 months in a mix of new and older French oak hogsheads. The colour is an opaque maroon. The nose offers a range of flavours, incorporating cassis, mocha, spices, blueberries, chocolate and a touch of slightly coconutty oak, an absolutely alluring nose. This is seamless with a supple and seductive texture, very good length and silky tannins while the intensity is maintained for the full journey. This is a cracker that will drink beautifully for at least the next dozen years. Love it.