Quartz Hill are located near the western Victorian township of Avoca. This Shiraz made by John Durham with a 2% splash of viognier to create a “riper” style than their Syrah. Only 70 dozen produced and available for purchase via the Quartz Hill website.

Quartz Hill, Shiraz, Pyrenees, 2014

Living up to the expectation with a ripe, plush yet dark pepper and meaty nose. Liquorice hints mix with blue plum and a little molasses before an ember of grilled apricot provides a perfumed highlight. Robust structure that, with an earthy, complex performance carries the load of plum and smoke. A deliciously deep, dark, daring-do drink.

RRP: $32
Alc: 13.8%
Rating: 18/20

Wine sample courtesy of Quartz Hill Wines