Xabregas Mt Barker Shiraz 2011 (Great Southern, WA)
14.2%, Screwcap, $25

It’s not hard to appreciate the savoury, evolved styling of Xabregas’ wines. Much more complexity in every mouthful. Even this wine, which sits at the entry point to the range.

Big, plummy and voluptuous, yet also cut with peppered beef and with a streak of black tarry thickness, finishing with drying, almost Italianate licoricey tannins that go on and on.

Excellent intensity and loads to get a hold of without excess of sweetness. Easy recommendation for the dollars.

Source: Sample
Tasted: July 2014
Drink: 2014-2020
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100
Would I buy it? I’d share a bottle. Though it needs a good decant.