For many, McLaren Vale stands in the shadow of the mighty Barossa Valley (both not far from Adelaide), but its wines are often more nuanced and interesting to drink. MV’s Mediterranean by-the-sea climate yields more moderate temperatures than the Barossa. This often leads to slightly lighter wines than the typical bombastic (and wonderful!) Shiraz most associate with the Barossa. Somewhat lighter wines in turn offer the palate the ability to discern more taste complexity, which great winemakers can really bring to life.  For us, on a day-to-day basis, a McLaren Shiraz, which sits somewhere between a Barossa sledgehammer and a svelte Yarra Shiraz.  It’s the best of both worlds.