WWF New Year World Classics for Drinking Now Mixed Case

From a vineyard by the ocean, this shows classic Margaret River opulence with hints of oyster shell, seaweed and flint. Focused on the palate, with intricate layers of flavour. Hand picked, whole-bunch pressed into 30% new oak. Smart. The Climate and Nature Programme is helping the two-woman powerhouse behind South by South West, Liv and Mij, complete what Liv calls one of their ‘dream or unicorn type projects’ – building a custom-made mobile chicken trailer to introduce chickens to their vineyards. A project that as a small producer with a limited budget they would not have been able to achieve otherwise. Using chickens to help manage (in other words gobble up) weevils, the major vineyard pest in Western Australia, will hopefully enable them to reduce the usage of pesticides. Integrating animals into the viticultural operation in this way is an important tenet of regenerative viticulture which enables a holistic approach to pest management that in turn brings other natural benefits, and this is at the heart of SXSW’s viticultural philosophy. In addition to designing and constructing (and subsequently putting into action) the mobile chicken trailer, Liv and Mij will be implementing a tailored cover cropping programme and planting native trees and shrubs in and around their vineyards.

From the outstanding 2010 vintage and now approaching peak maturity this cabernet sauvignon-dominant claret is showing plenty of savoury development with aromas of smoked meat, graphite and dried plum but retains great vitality with plenty of flesh and density on the palate. Best enjoyed alongside your Sunday roast or steak pie.

2019 ranks among the top three vintages of the decade, its cooler Atlantic influences bringing freshness to the smoky, complex and unapologetically fine Rioja profile. Aged for three years in barrel and a further year in bottle, it’s a classic expression – smooth and refined, with ample sweet plum fruit, signature balsamic notes and impressive depth on the palate.