Great Southern ‘Back Vintage’ Shiraz Malbec 2023

About The Wine:

A bold and generous Shiraz Malbec from the Great Southern locale of Western Australia. This blend combines the plush dark fruit of Shiraz with the richness and depth of Malbec, resulting in a beautifully balanced and expressive regional red.

Aromas of ripe plum and star anise rise from the glass, layered with subtle musk and well-integrated toasty vanilla oak. The palate is rich and rounded, revealing sweet dark fruit and blueberry with a gentle touch of creamy spice. Smooth tannins and balanced acidity carry through to a long, satisfying finish.

Comments from Wine Buyer Steve:

Well, this is a seriously impressive find from the Great Southern locale. Shiraz Malbec blends can sometimes feel heavy, but this one has real balance and polish.

The Shiraz delivers sweet plum and spice while the Malbec adds plush texture and depth. The oak is beautifully integrated and the fruit remains fresh and vibrant. It is rich, smooth and incredibly drinkable now, yet still structured enough to stand up to food.

My score 94/100 – WACC Gold Medal

About The Producer:

The producer of this Great Southern Shiraz Malbec is a boutique winery focused on crafting small parcels of premium wines each vintage. Fruit is sourced from select vineyards within the Great Southern, allowing the regional character to shine through.

Production is limited, and we have secured a small allocation of this impressive regional blend.

What is Shiraz Malbec?

Shiraz and Malbec are two classic red wine varieties known for producing full-bodied, richly flavoured wines.

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is renowned for its ripe plum, dark berry fruit and subtle spice, often supported by firm structure and savoury notes.

Malbec contributes deep colour, plush texture and concentrated dark fruit, often showing blueberry and blackberry characters. When blended, Shiraz provides structure and spice while Malbec enhances body and richness, creating a smooth and generous wine with depth and complexity.

About the Region:

The Great Southern in Western Australia is the largest wine region in Australia by area and the second largest producer of grapes in Western Australia. It is a landscape of forested ranges, dramatic coastlines, rolling green pastures and historic towns.

The region is made up of five subregions: Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup. The first vines were planted in the mid 1960’s near Mount Barker, originally focusing on Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Today, the Great Southern is recognised nationally and internationally for producing refined, cool-climate wines. Its diverse terrain and maritime influences allow for exceptional quality across a wide range of varieties including Shiraz and Malbec.