This Black Label Shiraz from Serafino is touted to be one of their most popular releases. French and American oak maturation (25% new).

Serafino, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2018

Oak (good oak, but oak nonetheless) is first up with peppery support before solid McLaren Vale red jubey fruits, purple violet flowers, a kiss of anise/licorice and some meaty ferrous grounding. Full bodied, yet a little miserly on the fruit front with a heavy blanket of tight, drying tannin and a sharp cut of acidity to close.  A little time in bottle may allow it to open up.

RRP: $28
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 17/20 (88/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Serafino Wines