Brash Higgins Shiraz 2023

You can’t really have a McLaren Vale conversation without talking Shiraz, but Brad Hickey always manages to spin it his own way. This 2023 release comes straight off the organic Omensetter vineyard - 25-year-old vines digging deep into that heavy red clay and limestone. It was a cooler vintage in the Vale with some tricky conditions, which meant Brad had to be super selective with the fruit, but the result is something pretty special.

In the winery, he’s gone for about 20% whole bunches, fermented wild in open fermenters before being gently basket pressed. It spent a good 20 months in French hogsheads, which has softened everything down beautifully.

What lands in the glass is deep and brooding but far from heavy. It’s got this wicked savoury edge - think black plum and smoked chorizo - alongside a kick of blood orange zest that really gives it life.

It feels generous but keeps its cool, walking a perfect line between rich old-school Vale styles and a fresher, more modern vibe.