For Andrew Thomas’ “Two Of A Kind” labels, he takes fruit from McLaren Vale (40%), to blend with his usual Hunter Valley (60%) berries.

Thomas Wines, Two of a Kind, Shiraz, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, 2018

Opaque purple core with a bright, deep garnet rim. Seductive and charming. A fine mix of dusty, cool, spicy Hunter fruit with richer support from dark raspberry and cherry tinged McLaren Vale influences. Oak presents as a frame and there’s an anise concentration not unlike chocolate bullets (liquorice). Medium-full body with a supple and smooth entry: bitter anise and spice providing contrast to dark/sweet fruit. Tannins fan out to give a drying finish, suggesting a medium term cellaring isn’t out of the proposition.

RRP: $25
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 18/20 (92/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Thomas Wines