Soul Growers Provident Shiraz 2015

I’ve always had a lot of time for the Soul Growers reds, with the laid-back richness of the style always deeply satisfying. Interestingly, it’s an oak-rich-yet-not-oaky style that I traditionally associate with Rockford, and there is definite parallels here.

No changes with this ’15 Provident either. Sure, it’s young, but the deep, choc berry richness here is a winner. Undoubtedly oak plays a big part in that all-encompassing thickness, yet it never feels overdone. In fact, this isn’t a heavy wine at all. It’s just hearty, and chocolatey and enveloping in its textural weight in a savoury, dry and thick-set form, complete with large grain tannins, a little cosseting warmth with plenty of acidity on the finish.

Pretty much everything you’d want in a $28 Barossa Shiraz, really, with that texture the winner. Very good. Best drinking: 2016-2030. 18/20, 93/100. 14.5%, $28. Would I buy it? Sure would.