Big Easy Radio follows an uncompromising quality-first philosophy, only releasing their Shiraz when the vintage meets their exacting standards. This selective approach means they'll pass on fruit that doesn't reach their benchmark, making each release genuinely special. The 2022 vintage was so exceptional that it broke their typical pattern, demonstrating just how outstanding this particular year was in McLaren Vale.

While McLaren Vale is known for rich, powerful Shiraz, this wine strikes a sophisticated balance between ripeness and vibrancy without falling into the overly-sweet trap. The natural acidity and firm tannin structure provide elegance and longevity, creating a more nuanced expression that reflects modern winemaking sensibilities. This approach showcases how contemporary McLaren Vale producers are crafting wines with both power and finesse.

The chocolate notes typically emerge from the combination of ripe Shiraz fruit and careful oak integration, while the mulberry character reflects the wine's deep, dark fruit concentration. These flavours work together with the plum characteristics to create layers of complexity that unfold on the palate. The savoury elements mentioned in the tasting notes suggest these fruit flavours are balanced by earthy, spice-driven components that add sophistication.

Scoring 95 points at the McLaren Vale Wine Show and 94 points from Wine Orbit indicates this wine stands among the region's elite releases. These high scores from respected judging panels suggest exceptional winemaking technique and outstanding fruit quality. The consistency across multiple rating sources, including the 'Killer Vintage' designation, confirms this is a standout example of what McLaren Vale Shiraz can achieve in the right hands.

The firm tannin structure and natural acidity mentioned suggest this wine has excellent ageing potential, typical of quality McLaren Vale Shiraz. The lengthy finish indicates good concentration and balance, which are key indicators for successful cellaring. Given the producer's selective release pattern and the wine's structural components, this could develop beautifully over 8-12 years, though it's clearly drinking well now given its vibrant fruit character.