Berton The Barbarian Shiraz Merlot 2020

It's a fact: bold Shiraz with a splash of ripe Merlot is a grape match made in heaven. But while Shiraz has long been the hero of the Aussie wine scene, Merlot is less widespread. That's all changing now though, thanks to powerhouse reds such as this from our old friend Bob Berton. Bob calls himself a 'Barbarian', but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The man is sheer genius: biker, cricketer, winemaker and a barbecue king (where this dazzler of a red is right at home). His Barbarian is made using select parcels of big, spicy Shiraz with a smaller helping of his juicy, plump Merlot. It's delicious. Full of ripe blackberries and plums, swirling with pepper, spice and smooth tannins. So crank up the barbie and pour a large glass.