Mordrelle ‘Basket Press’ Clone 1654 Syrah 2018 from Mordrelle Wines in the Adelaide Hills is a seriously charismatic cool‑climate red, offering all the depth of Shiraz with the lift and precision you expect from high‑country Syrah fruit. This 2018 Mordrelle Clone 1654 Basket Press Syrah is crafted in tiny quantities, basket‑pressed for finesse and gentle extraction. It’s the sort of bottle that quietly outperforms far pricier labels on the table.

In the glass, expect vibrant dark fruits – think blackberry, black cherry and mulberry – layered with pepper, violet, a little cured meat and a ferrous, mineral thread that gives real savoury interest. The palate is medium to full‑bodied with ripe but contained fruit, framed by gently ferrous, fine‑grained tannins and fresh acidity, so it feels powerful yet beautifully composed. It’s a Syrah that balances generosity with clarity rather than simple sweetness.

Food‑wise, I’d put this alongside chargrilled lamb cutlets, slow‑braised beef cheeks, venison or kangaroo, where the wine’s structure and spice really shine. It will also sit brilliantly with wood‑fired pizzas, rich mushroom ragù or a hard, nutty cheese like manchego or aged cheddar. Decant it for an hour and you’ve got a seriously smart Adelaide Hills Syrah for any special dinner.