No preamble needed – this Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2021 is excellent.

It’s so drinkable. That’s the nub of it. Sure, we can swoon about the purple mulberry and beetroot Adelaide Hills fruit opulence or how the slick of vanilla oak lifts it nicely. Or how the tannins are fine and finessed and the moderate alcohol and just-right acidity makes this, well, just right. The ripeness really is perfect – this is so moderate and delightful despite the volume of polished fruit.

But, ultimately, it’s just a really enjoyable, full flavoured, gently spicy, polished, generous, round yet not fat, technically perfect modern Australian Shiraz.

Wow.

Best drinking: now or in a decade. You don’t need to wait. 19/20, 96/100. 13.5%, $55. Shaw + Smith website. Would I buy it? Unquestionably.