Some bling for this wine, with it picking up the trophy for Best 2016 Shiraz at the 2018 Winewise Championship and a gold medal at the 2017 NSW Wine Awards. Made by the O’Dea family in central west NSW.

Windowrie, Family Reserve, Shiraz, Cowra, 2016

An inviting perfume: layered with blackberry and plum conserve, dusty cola and raspberry syrup, emboldened by rich vanilla oak and studded with dried cloves. A blue-metal graphite edge adds a much needed steely spine. Bright, lifted and giving with choc/mocha and blackcurrant fruit. There’s a slippery-ness that isn’t unattractive while tannins are firm, slightly sandy with acidity cutting fine.

RRP: $35
Alc: 14.8%
Rating: 18.25/20

Wine sample courtesy of Windowrie and Define Wine