Shingleback, Haycutters Shiraz Viognier 2008

If you’re a fan of McLaren Vale Shiraz, but don’t appreciate the overwhelming “sweetness” that can creep into some South Australian versions of the style, then this may be a wine for you.

The fruit is full and rich and offers a hint of smokey chocolate; the texture is more glide than chew; and the finale is dry and chalky, courtesy of the obvious tannins that make a cameo appearance when the fat lady comes out to sing.

I’d prefer the Shingleback “D” Block, but given that the Haycutters is almost a quarter of the price, you’d be tempted to take four of these instead.
Good value!