Shiraz 2020 - Black Market Deal #60070

Yarra Valley's cool climate produces shiraz with distinctive spice, structure, and savoury complexity rather than the jammy, fruit-forward style of warmer regions. The cooler temperatures allow for slower ripening, which develops more nuanced flavours and maintains natural acidity. This results in wines with elegant tannin structure and the signature peppery spice notes that make cool-climate shiraz so food-friendly.

Serve this shiraz at cellar temperature (16-18°C) to showcase its spice and savoury complexity. Decanting for 30-60 minutes will help soften the tannins and open up the aromatics. The wine's bright acidity and medium-to-full body make it perfect for rich, savoury dishes like charred lamb or roasted vegetables, where it can complement rather than overpower the food.

The allspice notes reflect the cool-climate character typical of Yarra Valley shiraz, indicating warming spices like pepper, clove, and cinnamon that develop during fermentation and oak ageing. Almond notes often come from the wine's interaction with oak and suggest a subtle nuttiness that adds complexity to the palate. Together, these flavours create the savoury, spice-laced finish that makes this wine so food-compatible.

While this 2020 shiraz has the structure to age gracefully for several more years, it's already drinking beautifully and showing excellent balance. The seamless texture and integrated tannins suggest it's reached a lovely drinking window where all elements are harmonious. You can enjoy it now for its vibrant fruit and spice, or cellar it for 3-5 years to develop more tertiary complexity and softer tannins.

A 93-point rating from Wine Orbit places this wine in the 'outstanding' category, indicating exceptional quality and complexity for its price point. This score, combined with the 92 from Wine Pilot, suggests consistent recognition of the wine's technical excellence and drinking pleasure. Such ratings typically reflect wines that show excellent varietal character, regional expression, and the potential to represent outstanding value in their category.