The Rest is Vino

If there’s one region that can confidently claim to be the beating heart of Australian Shiraz, it’s the Barossa Valley. This corner of South Australia has produced some of the world’s most recognisable bottles — think Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace — names that have set benchmarks for boldness and longevity. St. Hallett has been part of that Barossa story since the 1940s, earning a reputation for honest, gutsy Shiraz that wears the region’s sun-drenched richness on its sleeve. The 2020 Butcher’s Cart carries that torch proudly, but with a modern polish that makes it easy to enjoy right now.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Butcher’s Cart is a deep garnet with a youthful purple rim, already hinting at the energy inside. Swirl it and you’ll notice those slow, steady legs — a sure sign of the wine’s generosity. On the nose it’s all about plush blackberries, ripe plums, and a dusting of dark chocolate, lifted by subtle notes of pepper spice and vanilla from oak. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, brimming with dark fruit, mocha, and a whisper of savoury earthiness. The tannins are firm but friendly, balanced by just enough acidity to keep things lively, leading to a long, warming finish that makes you want another sip.

Wrap-Up
On the taste scale, this sits firmly in the full-bodied, dry, fruit-forward camp, with bold tannins and a smooth, lingering finish. Price-wise, you’ll likely find it around £15–20 / $20–25, which feels like a bit of a steal considering the character it delivers. Over on Vivino, it clocks in at around a 4.0/5 rating, placing it comfortably among the more admired Barossa Shiraz options in its bracket. Pair it with grilled meats or a slow-cooked stew, and you’ll see why the Barossa has become shorthand for seriously satisfying Shiraz.