Price Drop: Shiraz 2022 - Marathon Deal #58486

This wine comes from a pioneering winemaker who was crafting exceptional McLaren Vale Shiraz before the region gained its current prestigious reputation. The combination of traditional techniques with innovative approaches creates a wine that Ray Jordan describes as having 'complexity, refinement and balanced power' - earning it an impressive 97 points. McLaren Vale's Mediterranean climate and diverse soils are perfectly suited to Shiraz, producing wines with distinctive character that can compete with the world's best.

Ray Jordan notes this wine will cellar beautifully for 15+ years, which is exceptional longevity for the price point. The full-bodied structure, balanced tannins, and concentrated fruit flavours provide the backbone needed for extended ageing. As it matures, you can expect the primary plum and vanilla notes to evolve into more complex secondary flavours like leather, tobacco, and earthy undertones, while the black olive characteristics add savoury complexity that will integrate beautifully over time.

The rich plum and vanilla flavours, combined with savoury black olive notes, make this wine incredibly food-friendly. It's perfect with grilled red meats, lamb with rosemary, or aged hard cheeses where the wine's full body can stand up to robust flavours. The black olive character also makes it excellent with Mediterranean dishes, while the vanilla undertones complement barbecued meats beautifully - a classic Australian pairing that showcases McLaren Vale Shiraz at its finest.

The wine has earned 97 points from Ray Jordan and 96 points from Wine Orbit because it demonstrates the perfect balance of power and finesse that defines exceptional Shiraz. Critics recognise the winemaker's decades of experience in McLaren Vale, where consistent quality and innovative techniques have created a wine with remarkable complexity for its price point. The 'Killer Vintage' designation for 2022 also indicates ideal growing conditions that allowed the fruit to reach optimal ripeness and concentration.

You'll immediately notice the wine's impressive concentration and full-bodied character, with rich plum aromas complemented by vanilla from careful oak treatment. The black olive notes add a distinctive savoury element that's characteristic of premium McLaren Vale Shiraz, creating complexity beyond simple fruit flavours. While delicious now, decanting for 30-60 minutes will help integrate the flavours and showcase the refined tannin structure that critics have praised so highly.