Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 2017 from McLaren Vale is a powerful, deeply coloured shiraz that delivers classic Vale richness with serious structure and age‑worthiness. Expect a dense dark‑red core with garnet hues and a nose loaded with blackberry, redcurrant and dark plum woven through cocoa, spicy oak, charcuterie, clove, herbs and cake spice. It’s intensely aromatic, savoury and very much in the house style.

On the palate, Reserve Shiraz 2017 is full‑bodied, concentrated and plush, with dark fruit, dark chocolate and smoked‑meaty complexity wrapped in firm, fine tannins and bright acidity. Extended maturation in French and American oak gives toasty, coconut and vanilla notes that are now beginning to meld harmoniously into the fruit. It’s already delicious but clearly built to evolve for many years.

Food‑wise, Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 2017 is ideal with lamb shanks, mushroom risotto, veal parmigiana or shepherd’s pie, where its richness, tannin and savoury layers really shine. It will also handle grilled ribeye or slow‑cooked beef with ease, making it a top pick for hearty, comfort‑food occasions.