Marc Scalzo is representative of a new generation in Rutherglen who prize texture before robust structure, varietal expression before impact and vibrancy before spirity alcohol – a refreshing twist for a region famous for durif capable of blowing your head off! Scalzo’s Durif clocks in at a tame 13.5%, an impressive wine, but his Zin trumps it. It takes a wizard to tame Zinfandel to this philosophy, and diligent attention through multiple stages of fruit thinning has paid dividends. This is a refreshingly restrained Zin, registering just 14% on the Richter scale, layered with herbal spice, dark chocolate, tangy berry fruits and Christmas cake, without ever becoming heavy or raisined. Buy direct.