Oxenberry Pedler Creek McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018

The Scarpantoni family are a McLaren Vale institution, having set up shop back in 1958. Their reputation for lavish, critically acclaimed reds has even won them Australia’s No. 1 wine prize – the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy.

For this special release, brothers Michael and Filippo Scarpantoni headed to their childhood home, Oxenberry Farm, aka the birthplace of Australia’s famed McLaren Vale, and a special vineyard perched above the winding Pedler Creek. The black alluvial soils in this fertile valley and loads of sunshine are a paradise for heat-loving Shiraz – and conditions were just right in 2018, which is widely regarded as one of the best recent vintages for McLaren Vale.

What’s that mean for you in the glass?

You’re in for a velvety red that offers up beautifully ripe, spicy blackberries, complemented by dark chocolate, fennel, and toasty, nutty oak in the background. The palate is full and the finish is long and smooth. It’s also great with a wide range of foods, but we love it best with robust meat dishes from the barbecue (sausages, anyone?) or slow-roasted beef and rich casseroles.

Strictly limited cases, though – so you’ll need to get your orders in soon.