2021 Unico Zelo 'Halcyon Days' Nero d'Avola, Riverland, Australia (750ml)

Viticulturally, Nero looks absolutely at home year after year in Riverland, as it's able to achieve a balanced level of ripeness that we just don't see year on year with the other regions - it's probably the easiest of the three to decide when to pick. It's bang-on this year, and as always it looks just that little bit Gamay-esque, almost Cru Beaujolais.
Really lovely sweet nutmeg and baking spice aromatics, with a woody, cedary undercurrent, backed up by these bright punchy blue and brambly black fruits. Great mineral drive this year, salty acid line framed by crispy tannins. A bit of meaty chew to it - how nice! As always, chill it down - it'll be great with charcuterie this year or even pepperoni pizza! It has always been a party wine, and it continues to be.