The Cruth represents Haselgrove's flagship expression, showcasing the exceptional terroir of McLaren Vale through single vineyard fruit. Its 97-point rating from Wine Orbit reflects the wine's remarkable complexity, featuring layers of spiced berries, bitter chocolate, and succulent plums. The beautifully integrated oak and rippling tannins demonstrate masterful winemaking that justifies its premium positioning in the Australian wine market.

Given its full-bodied structure and high-quality tannin framework, this McLaren Vale Shiraz has excellent cellaring potential of 10-15 years from vintage. The 2019 vintage is currently drinking beautifully but will continue to develop greater complexity and integration over the next decade. Premium single vineyard Shiraz from McLaren Vale typically peaks between 8-12 years, making this an ideal candidate for medium to long-term cellaring.

The wine's rich profile of dark chocolate, black olive, and vanilla notes makes it perfect for robust dishes like slow-cooked lamb shanks, aged beef steaks, or game meats. The integrated oak and full body can stand up to strong flavours like blue cheese or barbecued meats with smoky marinades. Consider pairing with dishes that echo the wine's chocolate notes, such as braised short ribs with dark jus or venison with berry reductions.

McLaren Vale Shiraz is renowned for its distinctive combination of power and elegance, benefiting from the region's Mediterranean climate and diverse soil types including sand, clay, and ironstone. Unlike the peppery Shiraz from cooler regions like Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale produces wines with richer fruit concentration and chocolate undertones. The proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures, allowing for extended ripening periods that develop the complex flavour layers evident in The Cruth.

A 97-point score from Wine Orbit places this Shiraz in the 'outstanding' category, indicating exceptional quality that rivals Australia's most prestigious wines. Ratings above 95 points are reserved for wines showing perfect balance, complexity, and ageing potential - qualities that typically command premium prices. The consistency across multiple high ratings (96 points from Wine Showcase Magazine) confirms this isn't a fluke, but rather a wine of genuine excellence that represents exceptional value at the current offering price.