Taylors Masterstroke McLaren Shiraz 2019

Taylors new Masterstroke is a distinct step in a new direction for this winery. Blending has always been a vital component of the Taylors DNA, bringing together parcels from various regions to make the best possible wine. But in recent years there has been increasing focus on single regions, first with St Andrews and then the Visionary, Pioneer and Legacy, all from the Clare Valley. For the Masterstroke series fruit has been sourced from Coonawarra (Cabernet Sauvignon), McLaren Vale (Shiraz) and then back to their traditional Clare Valley home for the classic Australian Cabernet Shiraz Blend.

2019 was a hot and dry vintage in McLaren Vale which in this wine has created a robust and chewy red. Deeply coloured, it shows brooding blackberry and blueberry fruits with some rocky and white pepper complexity topped by toasted coconut oak. That is followed by a dense and spicy palate with sweet fruits showing underlying power that continues through to a good finish with drying tannins. It is quite a complex McLaren Vale style that will drink well over the medium term.