Dried leaves, dark cherries, strawberries and baked raspberries rise from the glass, bringing a darker-fruited profile with a distinctly savoury edge. There's more depth and structure on offer here, giving the wine a firmer presence through the palate.
As it moves along, a noticeable warmth builds through the mid-palate and black pepper spice starts to gather pace. Barbecue rub spices add another layer of interest. There's certainly plenty happening, but the fruit finds itself competing for attention.
Red apple skin and baked plum skins bring up the rear before a drying, mouth-sapping finish takes hold. While the additional structure will have its fans, the tannin and spice profile ultimately leave this feeling a touch stern. For mine, and like its Trueheart sibling, it needs food by its side.
89/100
Region: Adelaide Hills
