Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz 2012

Deep, youthful colour, dark blood-red with a faint trace of purple still hanging in after 11 years. A glorious bouquet of dried plum and cranberry, pepper/spice touches too, mellow and not 100% primary but also not showing much in the way of bottle-aged character. A glorious sparkling red, still in its early middle-age. Finishes long and satisfying without too-obvious sweetness but with velvet-smooth tannins. A classic of its genre, drinking beautifully now but there is no hurry at all. (97) HUON HOOKE

SPARKLING RED OF THE YEAR, 2024
The 2012 vintage confidently continues the legacy of what has long been the finest sparkling shiraz in Australia and, indeed, the world. The satsuma plum, blackberry, dark raspberry and liquorice density that defines Great Western upholds resonating depth and purity even at 12 years of age, but, as always, it is the super fine texture of its mineral structure and phenomenal tannins that elevate this fabled label to a league all of its own. For all of its depth it upholds a wonderful brightness and elegance. Nine years on lees and 17.5g/L dosage unite every detail in seamless harmony, but it will not be for another two decades that it shows its full promise. 2012 is one of the greats for this legendary sparkling shiraz and a worthy winner of my Sparkling Red of the Year. Drink 2024-2062. (97) TYSON STELZER

I know, I know. Every year I urge you to consider including this classic Australian wine style in your Christmas drinking schedule. And, look, here I am again, tempting you with the latest vintage of Seppelt Show Shiraz, first made at Great Western in the 1890s: deep purple foaming in the glass, full of rich, dark aromas of squishy bramble berries and sweet soy, bold and chocolatey and super satisfying in the mouth. Is there a better wine match for roast turkey and glazed ham? I don’t think so.  MAX ALLEN