Zonte’s Footsteps Lake Doctor Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

So many fabulous reds from Langhorne Creek sneak under the radar and this is yet another, although previous vintages have been so impressive that there should be queues for every release. Named after the cooling breeze which originates down in Antarctica, and which is called the Lake Doctor (cricket fans will be familiar with the Fremantle Doctor which cools the grounds in the afternoon, although when the practice of calling breezes ‘doctor’ first emerged, I have no idea), this is all about flavour and simply being delicious. The wine spends time maturing in a combination of both French and American oak barrels. Dark maroon hue, this is a wine of concentration and rich flavours with plums, chocolate, black fruits, smoked meats, leather and licorice. A supple texture gives way to sleek tannins. This is a wine of decent length which will drink well for six to eight years. Cracking value.