Gary Walsh calls vinos like this ‘banana skin wines’ that slip you up with a quality surprise. 8 Songs was once a big draw for Barossan Shiraz, picking up trophies like I get spam sponsored post offers, but this 2021 feels like a step below what’s expected. The purple colours all look good, but the nose and palate are a warmed-up mish-mash, with sweet and sour elements, clearly overripe fruit, confected berries, the acid that then juts out and tannins that feel desiccating (not helped by tart acidity). There’s impact here, which gets it to bronze medal territory, but the flat, forward palate and unbalanced form disappoints.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now
• Score (out of 20): 16.5
• Score (out of 100): 88
• Alcohol %: 14.50
• RRP (in $AUD): 50
• Winery website: https://www.peterlehmannwines.com/
• Would I buy it?: no