The vineyard region is classified as Bendigo (Central Victoria), however the small town where this is grown is Axedale, around 25 kms from Bendigo proper.

Passing Clouds, Graeme’s, Shiraz, Cabernet, Bendigo, 2016

Bruise purple in the glass with garnet edges. Meaty and spirituous aromas: with baked plum, blackberry raspberry, mulberry, boot polish, strap licorice, black pepper, Turkish Delight, choco/nut, milky coffee and sweet oak edges. The palate carries definite hot notes and finishes grainy with sandy yet squeaky tannins. The burnt coffee character lingers after initial sweet raspberry/choc and blackberry. The wine settled to have better balance on day 2, but still the heat remains a sticking point.

RRP: $34
Alc: 13.9%
Rating: 15.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of Passing Clouds and White Ink