Pertaringa 'Belonging to the Hills' Shiraz 2021

McLaren Vale's Mediterranean climate and diverse soils create perfect conditions for full-bodied Shiraz like this Pertaringa. The region's warm days and cool sea breezes from the nearby Gulf St Vincent help concentrate flavours while maintaining natural acidity. The combination of ancient geological formations and maritime influence allows Shiraz to develop the dense, chocolatey characteristics and preserved fruit flavours that define this wine's exceptional quality.

The 2021 vintage in McLaren Vale was exceptional for Shiraz, producing wines with remarkable concentration and balance. Ideal weather conditions during the growing season allowed for extended hang time, resulting in the intense dark chocolate and coffee aromatics found in this wine. The vintage's natural acidity preservation means this Shiraz will age gracefully, with the preserved plum and dark berry flavours continuing to evolve and integrate over the next decade.

This rich, chocolate and coffee-scented Shiraz pairs beautifully with robust dishes that can match its intensity. Think slow-cooked beef brisket, lamb shanks with rosemary, or aged hard cheeses like vintage cheddar. The wine's vanillin softness and dark berry flavours also make it excellent with barbecued meats or even dark chocolate desserts, creating harmonious flavour bridges between the wine's natural characteristics and complementary foods.

The exceptional scores of 96 points from Ken Gargett and 95 points from Wine Orbit place this Shiraz in the top tier of Australian wines. These ratings reflect not just immediate drinking pleasure, but also the wine's structural integrity and ageing potential. Such high scores from respected critics indicate that Bec Hardy has crafted a wine that showcases both McLaren Vale terroir and masterful winemaking technique, making it a standout example of premium Australian Shiraz.

Serve this full-bodied Shiraz at 16-18 degrees Celsius to allow its complex aromatics of dark chocolate and roasted coffee to fully express themselves. While delicious now, the wine's structure and concentration suggest it will continue developing for 8-12 years, with the preserved plum and dark berry flavours becoming more integrated. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving will help open up the dense fruit characteristics and soften any youthful tannins.