Shiraz co-fermented with 2% Viognier, from the Hongell Vineyard in Krondorf, planted 1991. A cascade of aromas: cassis, blackberry, bilberry, creamy Black Forest gateau, black pepper and cardamom, then more savoury kelp, creosote and bloody undertones. Concentrated yet buoyant, with juicy persistence and fine, mouthcoating tannins. Controlled opulence.

The 2018 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier leads with apricot blossom and bacon fat, graphite and blackberry, then there are aromas of kicked earth, brick dust, black tea, tobacco, pipe smoke and soy-soaked mushrooms. It's complex and undulating, savory and oh so long. Tasting this today, I'd actually suggest waiting a few more years before you open this; it is leaning hard into its umami and savoriness at this stage. It's confident, it's firm and it's very young. It's gathering momentum right now; to drink it would arrest that. 16% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.