Young Geoff Merrill was raised on a sheep station in the far north of South Australia, until his family moved to the Barossa Valley in 1964 when Geoff was just 11 years old. Unsurprisingly, this is where Geoff’s links with the wine industry were first forged.

Lovely mature red here, a blend of 52% Shiraz, 42% Grenache and 6% Mourvèdre. The wine saw 22 months in used American and French oak puncheons and offers cracking value. An opaque magenta hue, there is richness here, plushness thanks to aromas of chocolate, cassis, florals and cloves, the palate then seamless with excellent length. Abundant tannins give serious grip to the chocolate flavours which come through on the palate. The finish really does not give up – drink this anytime over the next decade. Tasted: June 2023; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $28.00; Drink: 2023 - 2033; Rating: 94 Points; Ken Gargett; Wine Pilot