7.7 SLASHED: Ulithorne Avitus Shiraz 2022

McLaren Vale's Mediterranean climate and diverse soils create perfect conditions for Shiraz, allowing the grapes to develop intense fruit concentration while maintaining natural acidity. The region's proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures, preventing over-ripeness and preserving the elegant, spicy characteristics that make this Avitus so distinctive. This terroir combination explains why the wine achieves such remarkable balance between power and finesse.

While this 2022 Shiraz is drinking beautifully now with its velvety texture and integrated tannins, it has excellent cellaring potential of 8-12 years. The refined tannin structure and concentrated fruit will allow it to develop greater complexity, with the blackberry and plum flavours evolving into more savoury, earthy notes. Store it in a cool, dark place and you'll be rewarded with increased depth and sophistication.

The wine's rich, velvety palate and dark chocolate notes make it exceptional with grilled red meats, particularly lamb with rosemary or beef with pepper crusts. The spice and cedar characteristics also complement game dishes and aged cheeses beautifully. For something different, try it with dark chocolate desserts - the mocha flavours in the wine will create a harmonious bridge between the savoury and sweet elements.

The 96-point Wine Orbit rating reflects the wine's exceptional balance of concentration and elegance - a difficult combination to achieve in full-bodied Shiraz. Critics recognised how Ulithorne has crafted a wine that's 'concentrated without being blocky' and 'elegant without being shy', showcasing masterful winemaking. The lifted floral complexity and refined tannin structure demonstrate the producer's skill in expressing McLaren Vale terroir at its finest.

Ulithorne is recognised as one of McLaren Vale's most dedicated small producers, focusing on single vineyard expressions that truly capture the region's character. Their commitment to quality over quantity allows them to craft wines with the distinctive personality that earned this Shiraz praise from respected critics like Ray Jordan and James Halliday. This artisanal approach results in wines that showcase both technical excellence and authentic regional expression.