There’s a misconception that Cabernet Sauvignon is the only red grape in Coonawarra, but one of my favourite wines from the region is a Shiraz. This Shiraz is part of what Sam Brand calls the “Coonawarra Untold” range and depicts the tale of historical attempts at warding off frosts on cool, clear nights in the vineyards with fire pots.

Brand & Sons, Fire & Ice, Shiraz, Coonawara, 2018

Clove and black peppercorn spice puncture sweet, cedary blonde oak. Good platform of ripe blueberry fruit with expected varietal plum and chocolate. Showing clean fruit and just a touch of polish through the medium bodied palate. A flash of bright red fruit like a starburst over tight, medium firm tannin. Lingering dark char through the dusty tail. Solidly presented, medium bodied and fruit focused (rather than driven). Classy.

RRP: $26
Alc: 14%
Rating: 18.25/20 (93/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Brand & Sons