Vine Mind is a side project from winemakers Jen Gardner and Colin McBryde of Adelina winery and the Some Young Punks label. As they describe it, Vine Mind allows them to explore different blends and regions, all made in an approachable, ready-to-drink style. The pair met while students at the University of Adelaide, where both earned phDs in microbiology. After many combined years of working at various wineries in the region, they took over the reins at Adelina, where Jen’s parents are the longtime owners and where Jen grew up. Although Adelina is located in the Clare Valley, Jen and Colin also source old vine fruit for the Vine Mind wines from other nearby regions in South Australia, including McLaren Vale. The 2021 Vine Mind Shiraz Cabernet is a classic expression of the famed region. Located about 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale has a warm and dry Mediterranean climate but its proximity to the Gulf of St. Vincent lends a cooling effect to the region. McLaren Vale is also the oldest winemaking region in South Australia, and many of the vines here are decades-old, gnarled survivors. Medium-bodied, with densely packed red plum, currant and blackberry notes, this unoaked blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe and plush on the palate, reflecting the warmth of the region, yet it has a refreshing lift on the palate.