Matt East from Rouleur popped by the other day with this new Rouleur Shiraz 2018 in his bag. Strangely, he was reticent to show it thinking it might be a little too ‘out there’. But I think he’s nailed it – a clever McLaren Vale Shiraz with moderation yet great intensity.

It weighs in at just 13.4% alcohol, though you’d never call it a light weight at all. Sourced from a single vineyard at Blewitt Springs, there’s 40% whole bunches in the mix and it exclusively sees older oak (more background details here).

What I like about this red, and the rest of Matt’s wines is that sense of restraint. Of fruit picked earlier than everyone else, with a reliance on acidity and delicacy rather than weight and extract. This Shiraz is very much in that mode, with this full mid palate but without that tarriness you see in riper Vale Shiraz. In fact, you could close your eyes and this could come across as more Adelaide Hills than the Vale at all.

Ultimately this is the sort of McLaren Vale Shiraz that I’d want to drink

Best drinking: Now to ten years plus. 18.5/20, 94/100. 13.4%, $32. Would I buy it? In a second. I’ve told Matt before that his wines are too cheap, and here’s another example.

P.S Keep an eye out for Matt’s 2018 Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir It’s such an archetypal Mornington Pinot from ‘down the hill’ that manages to deliver that sappy red fruit again with delicacy. Let’s call it 18.5/20, 94/100 too and I’d gladly drink a bottle tonight.