Description
Winner of the Jimmy Watson Trophy '14. Seductive from the first drop to the last. Spice-shot berries, black and red, a coating of nuts and cream giving the flavours a sheen. Amaro-like infusions. Sophisticated and yet generally accessible. Beautiful, grainy, peppery length, seamed by ultra-fine tannin. Poster child of savoury- accented Australian red wine. 97 points. James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2015
Aromas of cassis, fenugreek, charcuterie and tapenade are all consistent with nine years of bottle age. However, the surprise is in the abundance of fruit aromas: blackberry, blueberry and pomegranate followed by spices: Kampot pepper, red cedar and frankincense. Revealed with a little air is sea spray, petrichor, crushed rocks and roasted red capsicum. A viscous nose that wavers from black fruits to blue. The palate is more youthful than the nose with dark chocolate, clove, cinnamon, satsuma plum, lavender, rhubarb and preserved citrus.
Pure silk on entry with tannins that yawn, stretch and unwind as they progress across the palate. The texture and flavours meld like a Chesterfield on a blue slate floor with a vibrancy that belies its age. The long finish delivers another round of flavours and texture wavering between earth, spice and dark fruit. Power with delicacy and proof that Shiraz belongs in Australia, especially in cooler climates. I knew this wine would keep well and reserving some stock for a future release is always very exciting. Wonderful now but I’ll be keeping a few bottles for a celebration in 2026 and suggest you do the same. – Steve Pannell