The Black Stump Reserve Shiraz 2017

Australia is renowned for sumptuous Shiraz, with the likes of Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace fetching in excess of £100 a bottle. Black Stump Reserve is a showcase red and priced within reach of us all. Winemaker Alan Kennett knows how to impress – his ‘everyday’ Black Stump once won a Trophy Prestige in Bordeaux of all places. So with the benchmark set, he applied his skills to quality Shiraz from South Australia’s Clare Valley, a small, hilly region 40 miles north of the Barossa. With American oak maturation, the wine’s rich blackberry fruit has taken on seductive overtones of mocha and vanilla. Full bodied and smooth, it makes a fine and elegant fireside companion, and matches casseroles and roasted red meats with finesse.