No retreat, no surrender. Fair bump, play on. All the analogies for an unapologetic style of richness and depth.

Heartland Wines, Directors’ Cut, Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, 2016

Bruise purple withan opaque heart. Syrupy nose of blackberries and dripping plums, with bullocking oak pushing bourbon vanilla/vanilla paste with fallen leaf ash and some meaty flesh. There’s a juicy, green berry stalk note running through the dark fruit core keeping a freshness while being buffeted by grainy tannins. Power and plushness.

RRP: $33
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 17.75/20

Wine sample courtesy of Heartland Wines