Good Shepherd 2024 is Rusden's Malbec from old vines in the Barossa Valley's Vine Vale sub-district, a variety more commonly associated with Argentina but well suited to the warmth of the Barossa floor. The style is plush and full, with fruit at the centre, and a deep purple-black colour that hints at its generosity.

Dark plum, blackberry and a touch of violet lead the nose, with a savoury, meaty undercurrent and a dusting of black pepper. There is a faint chocolatey richness that becomes more pronounced as the wine warms in the glass.

The palate is soft and rounded, with tannins that feel more velvety than gripping, and a finish that lingers on dark fruit and spice. The mid-palate carries real generosity without ever feeling heavy or cloying.

Malbec's natural friendliness with red meat holds here - try it with a char-grilled steak, slow-braised beef, or a rich meat pie. It also suits a simple plate of grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary.

This is a wine for near-term drinking, best enjoyed over the next two to three years while the fruit is at its plushest.