First Drop Mother's Milk 2021

A compelling, fun red on a juicy, fresh frame, with smooth, polished tannins and fresh pomegranate and maraschino cherry flavors at the core, plus details of milk chocolate, nutmeg, white peppercorn and an appealing hint of toasted herbs and fresh earth. Reveals tannins that firm up on the finish, which packs a spicy kick. Drink now through 2033. 25,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

Aromas of black fruit, pepper, dark licorice and overturned earth. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy texture and fine tannins. It has a savory fruit character with some salinity to it. Drink or hold. WS92

2021 was a lovely vintage in Barossa-cool, long and with a return to moderate yields after two years of aggressively low yields and warm conditions. So here, the 2021 Mother's Milk Shiraz is fine and detailed, with loads of plush, voluminous fruit, in keeping with the style of the wine, but it is imbued with a little extra focus and precision, courtesy of the vintage. Nicely done.