Penfolds, South Australia (Australia) Shiraz 2012

It is inevitable that justice will ultimately prevail and that the Australian wine industry will come roaring back to its proper place near the top of the wine world, in the wake of the Yellow Tail debacle that has saddled the country’s wines with a reputation for cheapness.  And this is just the sort of wine to lead the charge.  Although reasonably affordable, it displays quality that can only be described as ultra-premium, with utterly convincing berry fruit that shows both red and black tones.  The bracing from rounded tannins and subtle wood provide definition without the slightest harshness.  Place a glass of this wine before any open-minded taster with a spicy Moroccan beef stew and you’ll have a convert on your hands.  Nobody could fail to love this wine.