Wines like this are exactly why we’re falling deeper and deeper for Aussie montepulciano. It’s bold and beautifully expressive, with a deep ruby colour and a nose full of dark berries, anise, and savoury spice. Juicy and generous with black cherry, plum and notes of cocoa and clove, all backed by fresh acidity and supple tannins. There’s a lovely tension here: youthful energy with serious structure. It’s got that effortless food-friendliness and drink-now charm, but enough presence to impress the purists. A banging example of the variety, and proof that these new wave Italian styles are here to stay - as they should be - saluti!