While the label is a cellar door and on website only purchase for the current vintage, this back vintage comes as part of Shingleback’s quality cellar club “The Pick,” which releases aged gems from their own stock. Cork seal (current vintage under screwcap.)

Shingleback, The Gate, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2011

The cork gods were kind. Smoky, with fine chocolate, soft blackberries and raspberries. Perfectly integrated tannins to match the balanced fruits. Just about to hit peak development this still runs bright with regional steel, ferrous edge (even if, in this case, it is tending to steel wool.) Delicious example.

RRP: $39.95 (current vintage)
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 18.25/20

Wine sample courtesy of Shingleback