Shiraz 2022 - Clearance Deal #66543

This Ulithorne Familia breaks the mould of overly extracted McLaren Vale shiraz by maintaining elegance and vibrancy despite its full-bodied nature. The winemaker has crafted a style that emphasises fresh acidity and balanced tannins rather than sheer power, creating what's described as 'lithe and vibrant' character. This approach allows the classic brambly fruit flavours to shine without being overwhelmed by excessive oak or alcohol heat.

The 'dangerous' label refers to this wine's exceptional drinkability - it's so smooth and approachable that you might find yourself enjoying more than intended at dinner parties. Unlike many full-bodied reds that can be heavy or challenging, this shiraz combines richness with freshness, making it dangerously easy to drink. The balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins create a wine that goes down smoothly while still delivering complex flavours of blackberry, dark chocolate, and spice.

The wine's 'miraculously food-friendly' nature stems from its balanced acidity and grippy tannins, making it versatile with rich dishes. Classic pairings include grilled red meats, lamb with herbs, or aged hard cheeses where the wine's spice notes complement robust flavours. The fresh acidity also allows it to work with tomato-based dishes and barbecued foods, while the dark chocolate notes make it surprisingly good with chocolate desserts or rich, savoury stews.

The 2022 vintage in McLaren Vale produced wines with excellent balance between ripeness and freshness, which is evident in this Ulithorne's vibrant character. This relatively recent vintage means the wine is drinking beautifully now while retaining youthful energy and bright fruit expression. The vintage's conditions allowed for the development of complex flavours while maintaining the natural acidity that makes this shiraz so food-friendly and approachable.

The 94-point Wine Orbit rating places this wine in exceptional territory, indicating outstanding quality that punches well above typical expectations for the price point. The additional 'Mofo Fave', 'Dangerous Value', and 'Staff Picks' designations suggest this wine offers remarkable value and has impressed both critics and industry professionals. These accolades combined indicate a wine that delivers premium quality characteristics while remaining accessible, making it an ideal choice for both casual drinking and special occasions.