McPherson Family Series Andrew's Shiraz, South Eastern Australia, 2008 - Laithwaites

Another Aussie Shiraz from Laithwaites - I had one of these in each of the two mystery cases I bought recently. This is the second bottle - the first seemed pleasant, but rather so-so, a bit like many of the Laithwaites wines, if truth be told.

This one seems rather better somehow (bottle variation ? palate variation ?); it's from South Eastern Australia - a gigantic Australian zone that incorporates all producing areas in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, and parts of Queensland and South Australia. It essentially covers 95 percent of Australia's vineyards. It allows wine blended from grapes grown in the various indicated regions to use this name on their label.

There is bramble fruit, cassis and vanilla on the nose, more black fruit, eucalyptus and lots of peppery spice on the palate, well-balanced with soft tannins and a good smooth finish. According to the Laithwaites website, it has seductive red berry and cinnamon aromas. Ripe mulberry and blackberry flavours and a peppery richness that makes it superb with food.

Hmmm, I'd probably agree with most of that.

At £6.49 a bottle (plus delivery) it's reasonable value.