Howard Park Flint Rock Shiraz 2023

93 Points, James Suckling – 93 Points, James Halliday 

Famed Australian critic James Halliday put it in the most Australian way possible when he summed up his rave write-up by calling it “A good drink in anyone’s book.” But he’s not wrong, this is the quintessential ‘mass appeal’-type Syrah. James Suckling gave it 93 points and called it: “Soft and floral with underlying power. Very good.”

This is a gorgeous under-$20 bottling with great aromatics of black fruit, baking spices, fresh cracked pepper with red currants and some bramble notes. It’s delicious and supple, a full-bodied and rich number that never feels heavy or light, but right in the Goldilocks middle. The tannins are plump and soft, the fruit is juicy and fresh, and everything here works seamlessly together.