“Wrattonbully is meant to be classy and bright like this.”

“This year, Xavier Bizot & Lucy Croser have made the decision to rationalise the Terre à Terre range to a trio of red blends (and a Sauvignon Blanc). This Terre à Terre Crayeres Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2018 is, for mine, the best-balanced wine under the label yet.

A blend of 62% Cabernet, 27% Shiraz and 1% Cab Franc that tastes remarkably different to the wines before it. Brighter, cooler and more even-handed. The oak is a vanilla bean presence throughout (21% new oak) but it is a presence rather than a dominant factor. A real joyousness to the fruit and lovely tannins though – Wrattonbully is meant to be classy and bright like this. Potential unlocked.

Best drinking: I’d wait a few years really. Maybe 5. Then it will drink well for twenty plus, especially under screwcap.”

 18.5/20, 94/100.