The 2019 Shiraz has had some time in bottle since it was released (I last tasted this at the end of 2021), and at that time, I noted that the oak played a key role both aromatically and in the mouth. Two years on, and this remains true; the fruit is pretty, dark and spicy, but the oak is the final backstop that impedes the flow of flavor in the mouth. It offers black cherry, blood plum, raspberry and star anise. This has gorgeous fruit. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under srew cap.

Despite seeing only roughly one-fifth new oak, Ashbrook's 2017 Shiraz has a cedary coating that mutes some of the varietal intensity. Some cracked pepper and mulberry notes do come through, giving the wine plenty of interest. It's medium-bodied, firm and savory, yet it's meant to be consumed over the near term (think 4-5 years).

Vanilla and mixed berries are joined by hints of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose of the 2016 Shiraz. It's a full-bodied effort, with ample richness and volume, a velvety mouthfeel and a touch of warmth on the softly dusty finish.

Matured two years in 26% new French barriques, the 2015 Shiraz boasts complex cedar, earthy and mocha aromas, all underpinned by dark, plummy fruit and hints of peppery spice. It's full-bodied and round in the mouth, voluminous and shot through with notes of dark chocolate, espresso and black olives, while the finish is supple, with softly dusty tannins.

Once past some tarry/rubbery aromas, the nose of the 2014 Shiraz shows some attractive vanilla and raspberry notes. It's full-bodied, with ample power and concentrated fruit, but there's also a bit of warmth, dusty tannins and some slightly bitter coffee and chocolate notes on the finish.