Clear, medium ruby with a bit of purple on the rim. Clean, almost-medium intensity nose of berry, cherry, and oak. Dry, with medium acidity, tannins, and body. Austere, woody black and red fruits in the mouth; medium length. Medium-plus length with some slightly evolving black cherry flavours. 14% alcohol—ouch. Overall good, if a bit severe; if this is your thing then by all means. It’s going to be a bit heavy for the summer-ish vegan fare I’m eating with it, whereas fruitier Aussie Shirazes tend to play well with my diet. Still, I can see myself going back to this in another season or with a seitan and mushroom dish.

$25 at Crosstown. See De Martino and the winemaker’s notes (PDF).