Regular Price $19.99, Case Price (12+ bottles) $17.99

Out on the cool Margaret River, Shiraz grapes don’t reach the prodigious levels of ripeness possible further east in appellations like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Though still at a hefty 14.5% ABV, the Horgans like to add a touch of Malbec to the blend to add a bit of oomph and structure to a wine that really shows the elemental and fragrant side of the Syrah grape. The fruit is first fermented in open fermenters, about 15% of which is included as whole bunches, before being aged in new, one-, and two-year-old French oak barrels. The resulting wine is a lovely, even elegant version of Shiraz with bright, lifted aromatics of dusky Bing cherry, blueberry and a lovely mélange of coffee, white and black pepper and floral aromatics. While not a ‘huge’ wine for a Shiraz, it’s extremely stylish and drinks so very well right now. I just noticed that the Consorzio reorder price for this is just $16 a bottle. At that price, there is no reason not to have at least a case on hand for everyday use alongside all kinds of fare. It’s almost burger season! Be prepared.
 
James Suckling, 92 points: Spice-driven with notes of dark cherries, boysenberries, dried herbs, and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and notes of mulberry and black pepper.