Varney Wines Shiraz 2018

Alan Varney sources parcels of fruit from McLaren and the Adelaide Hills for his newish range – the Shiraz coming from a combination of the two. It feels much more like your classic McLaren Vale with its bright, deep ruby colour and then robust, generously fruited style. The aromas are in the blackberry, tar and leather spectrum with a dusting of spice and red liquorice coming in to add attractive delicacy. That fleshy fruit is then joined by a chewy, slightly rustic palate where sinewy tannins and cedary oak provide a firm backbone. It drinks well now, and is quite a serious version of McLaren Vale Shiraz that will get better with a little time in bottle.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher