💎 A Bold Shiraz With Heart 💎
This week’s feature proves that great things can come in small bottles - or at least under small price tags. Could you believe this landed on our radar via a Receipt Reward at BWS? Dark, moody, and ready to impress, this one’s got all the personality you need for a standout Shiraz without breaking the bank.
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Smooth, Dark, and Down to Party 🥳
🍷 Small yet Mighty Mclaren Vale Shiraz (2021)
Here’s the thing about this Shiraz - it’s got presence. Pour a glass, and you’re greeted by a rich, inky red hue so dark it could double as a moonless night. This wine doesn’t just look bold, it drinks bold too.
From the first taste, you’ll notice a juicy hit of ripe plum and blackberry that screams "classic Shiraz." But then, things get interesting. There’s a sneaky little note of mocha and spice that creeps in, giving it a bit of complexity like that one friend who’s both the life of the party and secretly really into chess.
It’s a Shiraz through and through and for $12 a bottle, it’s punching above its weight class, delivering plenty of flavour for the cost.
What makes this one unique is how approachable it is. It’s the kind of red you can confidently share with mates or enjoy solo after a long day. There’s no intimidation here - just good, straightforward drinking that pairs perfectly with a T-bone and good conversation.
We’ll be honest, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of a premium Shiraz, but for its price point, it more than holds its own. If you’re after something reliable and tasty this is a solid pick. Though you may need to look online for the 2021 vintage tasted for this review, as it's not readily available like the others we've reviewed so far.
VITR Official Score: 7 / 10
👍 Reality vs Perception: While it's unlikely to fool anyone that's it's a $50 bottle, at the $12 we paid it's an absolute steal and tastes closer to $30.
👩🎨 Label Aesthetics: That matte black screw cap screams "fancy," and paired with the eye-catching label, this bottle definitely knows how to make a good and premium first impression.
👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: Nonno would be right into this one, he’d approve of the bold flavours.
🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: This drop goes far better with a hearty meal, so if menu centres more on fancy party pies and arancini balls, we'd steer clear of this one.
🤑 Keep the Change: At $12, there’s not much change left, but you might just scrape together enough for a sneaky block of dark chocolate to go with it.
Real Talk
📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It
Reticent: A shy wine that takes a while to show its true personality. Like that introvert at the party who turns out to be hilarious.
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💡 Sip Tip
Be label-wise: Wines labeled “Reserve” aren’t always better; check reviews for true quality.
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🍿 Sip & Snack
Shiraz & Biltong: The saltiness of the biltong highlights the richness of Shiraz. FYI Aldi has ripper chilli biltong.
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Until Next Week, Cheers 🍷
Quick heads-up: no review next week while we dive into some festive tipples. Have a merry Christmas from Vine In The Rough!
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