From the cellar: Cumulus Climbing Orange Shiraz 2007 – $$

Stepping away from the NZ focus of this blog: an Aussie treat. This was one of the first wines I bought for my nascent cellar back in ’09. Recommended by Cuisine. Lots of medals on the label, big up the chest. Rated 92 points by James Halliday. $16 bargain.

A browning deep claret colour. Lots of warming spice on the nose; white pepper, black berries and dark chocolate in mouth; dry, medium-bodied. The tannins are well balanced, soft but still with enough grip for texture. It went really well with the English beefsteak pie, and the great company. Welcome back to Wellington, S!