Earthworks are part of the Hill-Smith Family Estates and offer some very good value. Often found much cheaper in retail land. Made by Marc Van Halderen (also a dab hand with Chardonnay at Heggies).  Wild ferment and Vegan friendly.

Earthworks, Shiraz, Barossa, 2023

Bruise purple with a bright rim. Chunky chocolate, satsuma plum and plum pudding on the nose. Soft leather, cabbage rose, toasted ‘easter’ bun, burnt toffee, lavender flower, licorice, ground black ‘camping’ pepper, and a little sweet oak spice. Fleshy and full, yet with plenty of life and vibrancy: fruit is well alive. Peppery and plummy, with a yeasty savoury meatiness giving a little more body. Soft and approachable tannins through a slightly thin finish. No great depth or complexity, (that’s not what it’s for) but certainly clean, regional and varietal. Happy for a glass or two with sticky glazed ribs.
RRP: $20
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 87/100

Wine sample courtesy of Hill Smith Family Estates