Boscwood Petit Verdot/Shiraz 2021
A bit of a find, to get a Petit Verdot-dominant blend in a mystery box. Very happy with that. Inkily dark in the glass, on the nose and through the palate. Soft and unctuous, but with a helping of smoky spice through that broad, silky palate. For something so dark, this has a vibrant energy and drinkability straightaway – not as brooding and dense as you’d first think. Some layers of dark chocolate, bay leaf, mint and balsam swoon into view as you go. The finish is juicy, smooth and with good length. 92pts

Richard Hamilton GSM McLaren Vale 2021
A deep crimson red in the glass, with youthful, energetic aromas of black plum, redcurrant and raspberry, with clove and cinnamon spices. Polished and smooth in the palate – the Grenache gives a bright pink bubblegum sweetness, rounded out by the robust and spicy Shiraz and Mourvèdre components. Good oak, great texture – a hallmark expression of South Australia winemaking. 92pts

Palacio del Conde Gran Seleccion 2015
At eight years of age, this mature Tempranillo wine is a mellow wine with the cellaring all done for you! The toasty oak character frames some ripe crimson fruit flavours, plus a savoury element that might include chorizo, pumpkin or cayenne pepper, depending on your mood (or the food with it). The fragrance of cranberry, damson and pomegranete also has vanilla and cinnamon on the nose. Lushly textural, with a softness held in check by some tannic framework. 90pts

Peter Lehmann ‘The Pastor’s Son’ Barossa Shiraz 2020
Quite a rich, decadent style – dark burgundy in the glass, with a ripe aroma of boysenberry, bramble, liquorice, plum, cedar and pepper. Notably sweet as you dive in, but with enough grip of chalky tannin to provide a spine on which that depth of fruit hangs. A lush acidity adds verve and flavour brightness. The finish features more of that signature cracked black pepper. Easy-drinking and soft enough to drink on its own. 88pts