Claymore ‘Losing My Religion’ Montepulciano 2024 from Clare Valley is a plush, dark‑fruited Italian varietal with a rock‑and‑roll edge – think deep crimson colour, generous flavour and that easy Claymore charm in the glass. This 2024 Losing My Religion Montepulciano continues the small‑batch, artisan style, delivering both power and approachability at a very fair price.

On the nose, Claymore Losing My Religion Montepulciano is bursting with plums, purple fruits, red cherry and raspberry, layered with liquorice, mocha coffee, dark chocolate and earthy spice. The palate is medium‑ to full‑bodied and plush, awash with black fruits, cherry, mocha, coffee beans and cocoa powder, all carried by a fine line of acidity and sleek tannins that give it shape without heft. It’s rich, smooth and moreish, with enough structure to age 4–6 years but plenty of joy if you crack it now.

Food‑wise, this Montepulciano is a natural with slow‑cooked beef, lamb shanks, ragu‑laden pappardelle, pizza loaded with sausage and mushrooms, and hearty winter stews. It’ll also sing with aged cheddar or pecorino and big, rustic dishes like osso buco or grilled lamb cutlets, making it a perfect “comfort‑food red” for Adelaide winters.