Geoff Merrill Jacko’s Shiraz 2018 from McLaren Vale is a deeply coloured, tribute bottling with all the hallmarks of mature, high‑quality shiraz – rich berry fruit, spice and that classic McLaren Vale chocolatey savouriness. It’s full of character, already in a lovely drinking window but built with enough structure to keep going for years

In the glass it shows deep red with youthful purple hues, offering aromas of licorice, ripe berry fruits, aniseed, coffee beans, wood smoke, meats and a touch of spice and cassis. The palate is medium‑to‑full bodied and sleek, with ripe red berries, plum and blackberry over rich peppery fruit, supported by rounded, grippy yet satiny tannins, lively acidity and impressive length that carries chocolate, savoury earth and black olive notes. Oak ageing for around two years in French and American hogsheads has integrated beautifully, giving polish without overwhelming the fruit.

Jacko’s Shiraz 2018 is made for grilled steak, roast lamb or slow‑cooked beef dishes, and it sings alongside BBQ meats, sausages and hard cheeses where its spice and savoury meatiness can really shine. It’s a heartfelt, full‑flavoured McLaren Vale shiraz that offers serious depth and value, especially for drinkers who enjoy aged Aussie reds with both fruit and structure.