Woods Crampton 2012 Frances Nicole Shiraz

A sticker on the sample bottle of this wine mistakenly priced it at $24.99 - which would have made it one of Australia's greatest wine bargains. The real price is $50; reflective of the quality, and it's still a good buy at that price point. Made by designer Aaron Woods and marketing guru Nicholas Crampton, and named in honour of their wives, this is made from fruit grown on 60-year-old vines in the Blenkiron Vineyard, a cool site in the Eden Valley. There is a nod to minimalist winemaking techniques here and the use of larger format French oak adds character without any overt oakiness. This is a big wine from a superb vintage but well-rounded and with plenty of length. A red for wine lovers who who value balance and do not want too much of a good thing. There is plenty of dark fruit and spice but the end result is well balanced with good structure. Great now; greater in a decade. Only 157 cases were made. $50. www.woods-crampton.com.au.