Riddoch Coonawarra The Winegrower Shiraz 2022

Ripe, bold yet perfumed at the same time. There’s a bit of cedary oak, but it doesn’t dominate. Red plums, spiced damson, star anise, crushed cedar. Christmassy and fresh. Red cherry syrup, vanilla toast and a dash of coconut meat. This is big. It’s 15% – that’s up there. Bit woody on the palate, and the fruit falls before the cedary oak leaves the party. Tannins are wide knit, acid is a bit prickly, yet overall this is enjoyable, if not the most persistent in length. Punters who look for bold Shiraz will enjoy this. Red fruit, cherry ripe, the spice and star anise captivate. Give it due respect with a big flame-grilled steak.

By Cassandra Charlick