Silver Hammer Shiraz 2023

A fruit-forward and highly approachable McLaren Vale Shiraz, the 2023 Silver Hammer delivers plenty of charm. It shows ripe dark fruits of blackberry and plum laced with warm spice and a light pepper edge. Medium to full-bodied, with moderate tannins and balanced savoury acidity, it also carries a subtle influence of seasoned oak. The palate is generous and juicy, finishing with good texture, a hint of black olive tapenade and lingering spice. A very drinkable, flavour-packed Shiraz offering excellent value and immediate appeal.

Richly fruited and instantly appealing, the wine shows blackberry, mixed spice, potpourri, and assorted nut aromas, followed by a generously expressed palate offering succulent fruit intensity and velvety texture. Upfront and flavoursome with a satisfying finish.

A core line for Maxwell, named after the Beatles song (which often used to make it into children’s school songbooks, even though the lyrics are somewhat gruesome). All estate fruit, this has some typical generosity, though a fair degree of levity, too. Oak, largely older, is well integrated, adding a little nuttiness and spice to dark berries and plum. It’s a bit up from medium weight, and it drinks so readily, with softly accommodating tannin and nicely resolved, refreshing acidity. This is right in the grove.