The Boxer Durif 2020

The Boxer is pure Durif, a grape that originated in southern France, but has come up trumps in Australia’s warm climate. There it loses its rustic edge and gains masses of luscious black fruit. Surprisingly, when it packs so much spicy fruit, Durif still makes up less than 1% of Aussie plantings. Bill Calabria is a big champion of Durif at his family estate in outback Riverina. It was founded by his parents, who had emigrated from Italy in the 1940s. Bill took charge in the 1970s and still prides himself on the quality of the grapes he uses, and by keeping yields down (as much as a third less than the norm) he gains impressive concentration. This weighty, full-throttle red shows best besides hearty food like roast lamb or lasagne.