A gold medal from the 2020 Victorian Wine Show (one of the few to actually happen during that contemptable year). Winemaker is Jo Nash. Gary is the McPherson CFO and apparently Jo squirreled a top parcel of Shiraz away into some “ridiculously expensive French oak.” The name says it all really. One for all the Garys out there.

McPherson Wine Company, Don’t Tell Gary, Shiraz, Victoria, 2019

Big and plush, but holding firm with cooler climate influences of blue fruits and white pepper. Some meaty pâté depth, leafy bramble, licorice and leather. Broad and full, with mesh tannins and bittersweet licorice, dark umami soy and roasting coffee bean and hint of dried baking currant. Avoids flabbiness or heat (considering the ABV). A little time away probably wouldn’t hurt to let it settle.

RRP: $24
Alc: 15%
Rating: 17.75/20 (91/100)

Wine sample courtesy of McPherson Wines