The 2023 Leston Shiraz is a wine of great depth and intrigue, and deserves a theatre of quiet contemplation in which to unveil its considerable charms. Purity of fruit is the initial aromatic impression, with dark plums and freshly picked forest berries to the fore, their measured intensity balanced by cooler woodland scents of wild thyme and a hint of regional eucalypt. The palate has concentration and precision, flavour and richness build over time, with plush, expressive fruit always in the foreground, expertly enhanced but never dominated by oak. This supremely elegant wine gives rise to the conundrum of prioritising immediate gratification or allowing for an evolution to inevitable greatness with additional bottle age.

Food Match
Drink alongside merguez meatballs, smoked tomato paprika salsa and chargrilled sourdough.