2 Mates

The 2 mates are Mark Venable and David Minear, who say, ‘Over a big drink in a small bar in Italy a few years back, we talked about making “our perfect Australian shiraz”. When we got back, we decided to have a go.’ The wine (’05) was duly made and won a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, in some exalted company. Eleven years on, they hit the rarefied heights of 97 points for their $35 The Perfect Ten McLaren Vale Shiraz. -JAMES HALLIDAY