From the vineyard where the 2009 Jimmy Watson winner was sourced, this is two of the latest (multi award winning releases). Certainly much to like…

Moppity Vineyards Hilltops Shiraz 2008 – Roasted Cherry, Cranberry and musk red fruit, with just a twinkle of hammy stink, leading to a palate that tastes of a little stem influence. It’s cherried, musky and just medium bodied trailing away on the back palate but still savoury and stylish enough for real enjoyment. Good. 16.8/89

Moppity Vineyards Reserve Hilltops Shiraz 2006 – Much more purple in colour, this has a suitably ripe nose of stewed, meaty red fruit and a liberal dose of black pepper. Surprisingly, the palate is much more medium bodied and almost pretty in its peppered red currant flavours. I was initially expecting this to be cooked, but instead it carries the stewed red fruit and pepper style of Hilltops Shiraz off with some aplomb. It’s perhaps a little baked, which I’m no fan of, but it hasn’t lost its freshness as a result. Quality wine. 17.5/91

(Both wines were sample bottles).