Great Western Shiraz

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2 February 2026

This wine first caught my attention at the Asda Autumn/Winter press tasting, where I made a mental note to revisit it off the supermarket shelf. When it recently appeared on promotion, I didn’t hesitate to pick up a bottle.

This is a 100% Shiraz from the 2023 vintage, with a moderate 13.5% abv. It comes from Victoria, Australia, a cooler climate region that lends a very different expression compared to the usual jammy examples of this grape. It matured for 12 months in large and small French oak barrels. It is already picking up serious recognition, having won Gold Trophy and Best Value awards at the IWC.

In the glass, it is a deep purple-black with just a hint of translucence at the rim. The aroma is bold and vibrant, dominated by blackberry and blueberry with a savoury twist and a touch of dried herbs. The flavour follows through beautifully, with plush dark fruit layered over a gently earthy and herbaceous character. It’s dry, medium in body, with a finish that lingers in a savoury and satisfying way. Tannins are present but subtle, offering just enough grip without ever getting in the way.

At the tasting event, I happened to chat with the buyer responsible for bringing this wine in. He seemed genuinely pleased to have found it. It’s sourced from a respected producer and sold as an end-of-line parcel, which allows Asda to price it competitively. Because the producer was listed in the tasting notes as ‘Australian Wine International’, the real name has been withheld to avoid clashing with the estate’s own branded range. That keeps this wine under the radar and makes it a bit of a hidden gem.

This is exactly the kind of wine that challenges the tired idea that affordable bottles have no value and can’t offer depth or character. I tasted it alongside a much more expensive savoury Pinot Noir and was struck by the similar savoury complexity. This Shiraz, however, delivered greater depth of fruit and richness overall.

I’s usually £8.77 a bottle but I purchased for £6 as part of a 3 for £18 offer at Asda. I’ll be heading back to stock up before it disappears.

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