Hedonist Reserve Shiraz 2019 from McLaren Vale is a full‑throttle, classic Vale Shiraz – deep red with crimson hues, packed with dark fruit, spice and serious structure, built for cellaring as much as drinking now. The nose is loaded with dark berries, black cherry and blackberry compote, dark chocolate, cinnamon spice and a hint of violet, laced with rosemary, mint and smoky, tarry, earthy notes plus all manner of oak spice from its time in quality French wood.

On the palate it is full‑bodied, mouth‑filling and flavoursome, bursting with black fruits, dark chocolate, liquorice and a touch of cured meat, all carried on velvety yet voluminous tannins that “strut their stuff” across the palate. Oak shows as toasty, spicy and supportive rather than dominating, and the finish is long, rich and savoury, with fruit, spice and oak lingering well after each sip. This is everything that screams McLaren Vale Shiraz, done in a polished, ageworthy style.

Food‑wise, Hedonist Reserve Shiraz 2019 is at its best with richly flavoured dishes – char‑grilled rib‑eye, slow‑cooked beef cheeks, lamb shanks, venison or a smoky eggplant and mushroom bake, plus aged cheddar or blue cheese to finish. With its concentration and firm but plush tannin frame, it will reward decanting now and has the stuffing to evolve gracefully in the cellar over the next decade.