Shiraz Malbec is one of those classic Aussie blends that doesn’t get enough love these days, but when you find a good one, it delivers the sort of plush, full-flavoured drinking that’s tailor-made for our palates. With Shiraz leading the charge, you get all the signature black pepper, ripe blackberry and plum, hints of dark cherry and that familiar depth, while Malbec brings a burst of blueberry, violet, and a little extra juiciness to the mix.

The perfume is big, think blackberries, dark cherries, plums, and blueberry compote, all lifted by violets and a little vanilla or mocha from oak. It’s full-bodied, generous, almost opulent, with silky tannins and a velvety mouthfeel. The Malbec softens the sometimes-muscular Shiraz, giving the blend a more rounded structure, subtle spice, and a nice sense of balance between fruit and savoury elements. You’ll also see layers: cedar, dark chocolate, maybe even a flicker of hot earth or eucalyptus if it hails from Coonawarra or Wrattonbully.

On the palate, it’s all dark fruits and chocolate, a touch of cola, and a lingering, softly toasty finish. A bit of oak shows up as vanilla or cedar, but the fruit always shines through. These wines are seriously food-friendly and good for grilled steaks, lamb chops, smoky BBQ, rich pastas or anything with char and spice.