St Mary’s Vineyard 2015 Shiraz, $30
There may or may not have been divine intervention in the production of this South Australian Shiraz but, regardless, it’s a wine you could happily pour in liberal quantities. The Mulligan family grow the grapes on their property 15 km west of Penola, which you might know as being closely associated with Mary McKillop, Australia’s first Saint (it’s where she started her school and other charitable works). Saint Mary apparently appreciated a drop, and I’m sure she would have approved of this rich and robust red with its hints of chocolate and mint. Typical of the region, the vineyard is on terra rossa soil over limestone, lending great depth of flavour. The wine is lovingly made with small batches that are hand-plunged and basket-pressed before going into oak. There’s also a distillery on site, as well as a lovely garden and a sanctuary of native vegetation to wander in, if you happen to be visiting.
