Wines Unspecified Layer Cake - 2020

Layer Cake 2020 from South Australia is a red wine that primarily showcases the Shiraz grape, although some vintages may also blend in other varieties like Grenache or Cabernet Sauvignon, typical for this brand. The 2020 vintage stands out for its generosity and bold fruit expression, a hallmark of South Australian reds. In the glass, you can expect deep colour and an intense nose layered with blackberry, plum, and black cherry, all enriched by notes of vanilla and mocha from oak maturation. The palate is supple and mouth-filling with ripe tannins and a plush, lingering finish, designed to balance immediacy of pleasure with a structure that lets the wine hold its own against food.

South Australia is the beating heart of the Australian wine industry, home to famed regions such as Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. The vastness of the region means there are multiple mesoclimates, but overall, warm Mediterranean conditions prevail, providing consistent ripening and the ability to produce rich, concentrated red wines. Soils vary widely, from sandy loams to terra rossa, but all contribute to the region’s signature style—fruit-forward, intense, and yet often displaying underlying freshness and spice. The winemaking heritage here is robust, blending a history of pioneering European settlers with innovative techniques, ensuring wines are expressive both of grape and place.

A wine with the richness and generosity of Layer Cake 2020 calls for equally flavourful dishes. Consider peppered steak, lamb chops with rosemary, or even classic Aussie BBQ sausages as perfect partners. If you’d like to explore regional cuisine, slow-cooked beef pies or grilled kangaroo fillet would highlight the wine’s depth and fruit. For a vegetarian option, a mushroom and lentil stew or roasted aubergine with herbs would work beautifully with the layered flavours.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C after a short decant to let the bouquet and structure unfurl. This temperature brings forward the wine’s dark fruit and subtle spice notes, ensuring a harmonious tasting experience.