The McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Shiraz 2023 is an entry-level red from this biodynamically farmed Margaret River estate, made in a medium-bodied, approachable style rather than the darker, riper shiraz some warmer Australian regions produce. The 2023 vintage across southern Australia was generally cooler and lower-yielding, and the wine shows a touch more restraint and brightness for it, without losing the region's characteristic savoury edge.

Dark plum, blackberry and a peppery, savoury lift define the nose, with dried herb and a little spice underneath, and a light violet note typical of cooler-grown shiraz. The palate carries that fruit with moderate weight, savoury rather than jammy, finishing with fine, dusty tannin.

Tannins are soft and well integrated, acid keeps the wine lively, and the finish is medium in length, easy rather than powerful, but with enough grip to feel like a proper red.

It suits everyday red-meat cooking — a mid-week steak, a pasta with meat sauce, or barbecued sausages — without asking for a special occasion.

Drink it now, or hold a year or two for the tannins to soften a touch further.