Thomas Wines Sweetwater Ridge Shiraz 2022, from Andrew Thomas in Australia’s Hunter Valley Belford subregion, springs from 1998-planted old vines on ironstone over limestone – steeply sloped, east-facing for elegant structure and density. Dense crimson hues burst with strawberries, raspberries, mushroom umami, earth ripples, cloves and soft spices that pull you straight in. On the palate, the Thomas Wines Sweetwater Ridge Shiraz 2022 delivers robust mid-weight power, firm dusty tannins, dark broody fruits, savoury woodsy earth and elongated persistence – classic Hunter finesse at approachable alcohol.

 This vibrant single-site star drinks superbly now through eight years. Pair with beef ribs, roast lamb or wood-fired pizza to ignite its spicy fruit drive – claim this benchmark before it vanishes.