The 2019 Anaperenna Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon is an 84-16 blend, all sourced from the northern end of the Barossa Valley. Bottled in October 2020 and scheduled to be released in October 2021, it features lovely lift and delicate herbal nuances on the nose, plus hints of red and black currants and blackberries. Full-bodied and supple, it’s also crisp, long and velvety on the finish, picking up delicious nuances of vanilla, dark chocolate and bright, fresh fruit.

and freshness even in the wake of considerable ripeness, all the more impressive in warm drought seasons in the generous northern Barossa. This is a showpiece for the modern great Australian blends, brimming in bountiful red and black fruits, backed generously with dark chocolate and coffee-bean new oak. It holds it proportions and considerable alcohol with astonishing confidence, thanks most of all to a bright flash of pure, fresh acidity

No holding back on this bruising wine. It’s from some seriously old vines, some that are up to 100 years for the shiraz and 130 years for the cabernet. In a dry hot year like this, the older vine material is critical to ensure balanced fruit is presented to the winery – in fact those old vines are a godsend. It’s a wine of substantial alcohol yet the balance and poise is exceptional and allows the fruit to express itself beautifully. A little time in the cellar would be wise.

In a sea of screwcaps, it took me a few moments to find a corkscrew for this wine. It was worth it. Dark and brooding notes of blackcurrants, blackberries and bramble sit alongside heady aromas of licorice, ink and tarry tones. It's deep and dark, but also fresh and chewy thanks to a good dose of acidity. The velvety, cushioned palate reveals some lovely raspberry flavours that complement all the black fruits. This will age very well.