Zonte’s Footstep Chocolate Factory McLaren Vale Shiraz 2021

Now, if you are going to dub a wine the ‘Chocolate Factory’, either it was made by Willy Wonka, which we can safely rule out here, or it is all glorious chocolate. Such a name imposes certain expectations. For me, a cracking wine, but I can’t honestly say I found oodles of chocolate. Just the requisite amount. Still, we should not demean the wine for that. Inky dark maroon, black fruits with cassis, mulberries, dry herbs, cloves, black olives, bergamot, coffee grinds, blackberries, even a lovely yet gentle intrusion of blueberries. But chocolate? Just a little. Excellent length here with very fine, plush tannins and impeccable balance. Lots to love and a wine which will age for a decade – and who knows, perhaps more chocolate will emerge over time. Great value.