Shaw & Smith Aged Release Shiraz 2016 from the Adelaide Hills is a beautifully evolved, medium‑bodied cool‑climate Shiraz showing the benefits of a decade in bottle. This 2016 Shaw & Smith Aged Release Shiraz now marries vibrant dark fruit with savoury, tertiary complexity in a seamless, polished style.

Expect aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and redcurrant with whole‑bunch crushed berries, florals and charred red meat, layered over peppercorn, menthol, smoky clove, cured meats and ferrous, woodsy spice. The palate is supple yet structured, with rich dark plum, liquorice and cherry framed by fine‑grained, meaty tannins, toasty French oak and fresh acidity, now developing saddle‑leather, dried herb and earth notes as it ages, finishing long, savoury and detailed.

Food‑wise, Shaw & Smith Aged Release Shiraz 2016 is superb with roast lamb, grilled steak, venison, duck, hard cheeses or slow‑braised beef, where its cool‑climate spice, gamey edges and resolved tannins shine. With a 97‑point pedigree and cellar guidance out to the late 2020s, bottles opened now will be right in the zone and continue to drink beautifully over the next few years.