There are so many choices in the Australian Shiraz world these days, and sometimes it can be easy for them to get wrapped up in hype through no fault of their own. Ideas of prestige due to price or reputation, awards or critics’ points, presentation or promotion. And let’s face it, some wines lean into this. Bold, powerful and dressed to impress, and good on them. I can’t deny having had my fair share over the years.

However, more often than not, a wine comes along without all the unnecessary noise accompanying it. Genuinely enjoyable, not pricey, with a trustworthy reputation that has been earned and satisfyingly good to drink. In other words, it comes down to what’s in the bottle. Pretty simple really.

At $35, this Huntington Estate Shiraz is exactly that kind of wine. It has pleasure in the bottle, pleasure in the glass, and pleasure on your palate without the fuss attached to it.

Live simply. Laugh often. Wine a lot.

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $35     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

This is going to sounds a bit strange describing a wine in this way but this is a really cool wine. Everything about it seems mellow, relaxed, and easy. It’s more blue fruits than black, a plummy note fills out the palate, a gentle spiciness and a medium bodied-ness that feels inviting instead of imposing. Yes, there are tannins but they seem apologetic and explanatory at the same time, asking to be excused while they do their thing and carry this wine into the future. Good, good length and a flavourful finish make this such a friend-finding wine.