The Laughing Magpie, d'Arenberg

A Shiraz-Viognier blend from this well-known South Australian producer, predominantly a mouthful of black plum, earth and spice, with a pleasing hit of black olive, sage and dried herbs adding complexity on the finish.

Small batches of grapes are gently crushed and then transferred to open fermenters, where the Viognier and Shiraz are co-fermented. Foot treading is undertaken two thirds of the way through fermentation, the wine is basket pressed and transferred to a mixture of old French and American oak to complete fermentation and mature. The barrel ferments are aged on lees, there is no racking until final blending and no fining or filtration.

Barbecued meats, steaks, rich meat dishes.