The more interesting of the two 2012 Redbank reds and for that reason it warrants a review. If you’re after a safer, less challenging and unremarkable red at around the $10 mark then you might be better off with the Shiraz. The addition of 5% Sangiovese seems to make all the difference here, channelling the savoury side of Merlot.
Cherries, almonds, fresh plums and aniseed. It’s not at all sweet and I might even have picked it as a Sangiovese blind. It’s gritty, lanky and rough with good tannic impact if very little in the way of finesse. A rugged food wine and at the price I find that rather admirable. 87
Regions: Victoria
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $12.95
Tasted: August 2013