2022 "Knockoffs"

This one’s not a unique blend, but certainly uncommon — mostly Barossa Shiraz (60%), backed by some Touriga Nacional (20%) out of McLaren Vale and Old Vine Barossa Grenache (20%) to round it out. First thing you’ll notice is that it’s got this wild, floral lift — kind of violets and crushed herbs — like a walk through a dry Aussie garden just after the rain.

On the palate, it’s all about plush dark fruits — think black cherry, plum, a bit of blueberry — but it’s not too heavy or gloopy. The Grenache brings some juicy red fruit and a little spice, and the Shiraz just quietly holds it all together with that Barossa swagger. There's a nice lick of oak in there too, but it’s behaving itself — just giving a bit of structure and polish without shouting.

Tannins are fine but firm, like a good handshake, and it finishes dry and savoury with just a whisper of something earthy and warm — maybe like dusty cocoa or black tea.

It’s a wine that works just as well with food as it does with a good yarn. Chuck it in a decanter if you’ve got time — it opens up beautifully.

Why "Knockoffs"? Well I used to be involved in hospitality, and this was a blend that was put together by some of my enthusiastic staff. It was something we tried to do each year, with 2019 being the first year we did it. This was the first (and ultimately only) time we made a red blend for the "Knockoffs. So why the name? It was a wine that the indefatigable staff would sit around and drink at the end of their shifts for "Knockoffs"!

Pair it with chargrilled lamb, slow-cooked anything, or just something salty off the BBQ.