Nick O’Leary Heywood Shiraz 2022 from the Canberra District is a single‑vineyard, cool‑climate Shiraz that nails that fine‑boned, aromatic style – all precision, fragrance and shape rather than brute force. It comes off the estate Heywood vineyard, hand‑picked, whole‑bunch fermented (about one‑third), then matured in quality French barriques for 14 months.

In the glass, it shows red fruits, brambly dark berries, sage and lifted white pepper, with subtle spice and cedar from classy oak. The palate is medium‑weight, bright and savoury – dark berry and cherry fruits, a dusting of oak and fine, savoury tannins running long and elegant, perfectly capturing cool‑climate Shiraz.

This Heywood Shiraz 2022 is made for chargrilled lamb, peppered steak, roast duck or mushroom dishes, where its spice, herb notes and acidity really sing alongside food. With 96 points and that detailed structure, it is equally at home on serious restaurant lists or in the cellar for 8–10 years as it gains more gamey, earthy complexity.