Empire of Dirt Blood Shiraz 2021 from Geelong’s Moorabool Valley is a dark, cool‑climate Shiraz that lives up to its name – inky, savoury and pulsing with the deep, lush character this corner of Victoria does so well. Fruit for Blood 2021 Shiraz is handpicked from two sites, cold‑soaked for four days then fermented with indigenous yeast before nine months in 100% French oak, about 20% of it new, to frame the fruit without swamping it.

In the glass, Empire of Dirt Blood Shiraz 2021 offers up a rush of blood plum, blackberry and mulberry layered with sun‑dried tomato, olive tapenade, roast beef, cracked pepper, dried herbs and a gentle floral lift. The palate is medium‑bodied but deeply flavoured, distinctly savoury, with dark fruit wrapped around smoky spice, firm yet fine tannins and a long, moreish, meaty finish that screams cool‑climate Shiraz rather than jammy blockbuster.

Empire of Dirt Blood Shiraz 2021 is a cracking match for grilled lamb cutlets, rib‑eye on the bone or slow‑cooked beef cheeks, where its structure and savoury notes lock in perfectly with char and fat. It’s also brilliant with char‑grilled vegetables, gourmet sausages, mushroom pie or a proper hard cheese, the wine’s olive‑tapenade edge and peppery spice keeping every mouthful savoury, satisfying and just that bit addictive.