The Wine Front – Necessity is the mother of invention. In 1993 Tim Adams was desperately short of shiraz and cabernet so his neighbour, Fergus Mahon, sold him some grenache to keep him ticking over. Hence The Fergus blend was born, and has been made ever since. This release includes tempranillo and malbec, all of which is dry-grown. Its usual reliable self. There was a time when I wasn’t a great fan of The Fergus but we’ve moved on from there in recent years. It’s well-balanced, fleshy, not too light and not too heavy. It’s red berried with star anise, cola and gum leaf highlights. It’s a well tailored red, perfect for casual drinking.

World Wine – Langton’s Classification VI: Excellent. The intensely-perfumed and muscular Aberfeldy Shiraz reflects the character of vineyard site as much as the personality of winemaker Tim Adams. The 1.6 hectare Aberfeldy Vineyard includes a large proportion of dry-grown, colonial vine stock planted by Wendouree’s Alfred Percy Birks in 1904. This ancient genetic material produces large berries and very high seed content. Vinification takes place in closed fermenters and is followed by 24 months maturation in new American oak. The rich, buoyant and spicy Aberfeldy Shiraz is a deeply-concentrated, opulent style with blackberry aromas, malty/cedary oak and a firm tannin kick. The underlying muscularity of structure is reminiscent of the Wendouree style.

The Wine Front – 70/30 blend of Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. All into French oak. Most of us would be familiar with the red wines of Tim Adams. If you’ve liked any of his reds in the past, you will enjoy this release plenty. It’s absolutely typical, in a good way. Plenty of dark berried fruit, not too complicated, not simple either. Supple but a firm frame. Feels like cabernet, complete with herbal edges, but feels ripe and generous too. Minty. Floral. Clean. In a very good place.

The Wine Front – Lemon, lemongrass, bath powder. Soft and well-rounded, but with a clip of juicy lime acidity to straighten it up, a slight slaty/chalky feel, and a clean crunchy finish of good length. Great glass of wine. Good now too.