I generally find Scotchmans Hill from the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong to be a very good and reliable producer.  With regard to their 2010 shiraz, the first surprise is the depth of colour in the glass for the Geelong region.  Rather than a light to medium bodied ruby colour, the ripe 2010 vintage reveals itself to be a pronounced, and bright, expression of near purple colour.

Its aromatics are interesting too, with medium intensity notes of baked herbs, plums, baked blueberries, cedar and salt.  It expresses itself in a youthful fashion.  The palate is dry with light to medium ripe tannins, medium acidity, medium to full body and more restrained intensity flavours of spiced plums, pepper, some clove and cedar wood, all set to medium length.  Mostly though it has a spiced savoury character.  This is a good wine made from very ripe fruit, that will suit drinking over the next five years or so.   Good

Abv: 14.5%
Price: $30
Vendors: Check http://www.wine-searcher.com
Website: http:///www.scotchmanshill.com.au
Tasted: September 2012