McGuigan Australia Black Label Reserve Shiraz 2018

Product Description

Winery Information

McGuigan Wines is a name synonymous with quality and consistency in Australian winemaking. With a heritage spanning over four generations, McGuigan has built a reputation for crafting wines that showcase the best of Australia’s diverse wine regions. The Black Label range is one of its most popular, offering rich, approachable wines designed to be enjoyed on any occasion. The Black Label Reserve Shiraz is a bold and expressive take on this classic variety, highlighting the winemaking expertise of Neil McGuigan.

Vintage Conditions

The 2018 vintage in the Riverland and Murray Darling regions of South Eastern Australia was marked by a hot climate with high evaporation rates and low rainfall, making irrigation a crucial factor. The region’s continental climate provided long, sunny days and noticeably cooler nights, allowing the fruit to develop concentrated flavours while maintaining fresh acidity. Modern viticultural techniques helped maximise the benefits of these conditions, ensuring fully ripened fruit with minimal disease pressure due to the low humidity levels.

Winemaking

The fruit was carefully crushed and de-stemmed before fermentation in a variety of red fermenters. Fermentation took place on oak at controlled temperatures between 18–22°C for 5–7 days, allowing the vibrant fruit flavours to be preserved while extracting subtle oak complexity. Following fermentation, most of the wine was matured in stainless steel tanks to retain the fresh and fruit-driven character of the Shiraz while integrating soft oak influences.

Tasting Notes

This Shiraz delivers rich aromatics of smoky oak, complemented by classic varietal notes of black pepper, ripe red fruits, and juicy blackberries. The palate is generous, with layers of dark berry flavours, balanced acidity, and a smooth oak presence. The wine finishes with a lingering sweetness and fine tannins, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying experience.

Food Pairing

The Black Label Reserve Shiraz pairs beautifully with robust, flavourful dishes. It is an excellent match for grilled meats such as steak, lamb chops, or slow-cooked beef brisket. It also complements rich pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces and aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with a smoky eggplant parmigiana or a hearty mushroom risotto.

Vintage Note