St Hallett Faith Shiraz 2024

Ask a dozen Australian winelovers and critics to name wines which appear, year after year, in their top value lists and I would not be surprised if at least ten of them included this Barossa Valley gem. Wonderfully reliable, always cracking drinking and value on a level matching the Dutch purchase of Manhattan back in the 1620s (coincidently, one legend suggests that it was swapped for $24 of Venetian beads and trinkets, the very price of this wine, although apparently it was closer to 60 guilders which was around $1,000, but we digress, although given the current chaos, this might just be better buying). A dark, bruised plum hue, this is exuberant and generous. There are notes of black fruits, cherries, spices, a flick of vanilla, raspberries, herbs, mocha and coffee beans. This is seamless, balanced and juicy, with good intensity and impressive length. Seriously, what more do you want for this sort of dosh? Well focused with sleek tannins, this is still fresh and youthful. It will prove to be very enjoyable over the next ten years. I can think of no reason it should not be in your cellar.