MATURATION:Oak maturation for 18 months in new and one to three year old French and American Hogsheads and Puncheons has delivered a complex wine with notes of cedar and vanilla, with exceptional tannin structure.

TASTING NOTES: What an amazing nose. When the bottle is first opened there is blueberry pie, rosemary and a big waft of peppermint. Let the glass stand if you can, then try again. Rich damson plums, and walnuts. And in the mouth there are subtle tannins, tarry and satisfying. For a wine of this depth and strength the acid is muted and very gently supports red and dark berry fruit, with a unique vanillin nuttiness on the finish.

FOOD MATCHING: This is the Perfect wine for lamb, and hard cheeses. But be aware. This is not your stock-standard shiraz. It is likely to mature with some quirkiness. Yes, it will mellow and soften, but watching how the flavours ebb and surge will be another experience altogether.

CELLARING:Drink from 2020, better from 2022 or cellar to 2026+.