I have to admit there are moments when I crave the full bodied-ness of a Shiraz but don’t want o commit myself to something too sweet or with too much acid. And unless it has a few years under its belt or you’re shelling out some serious dosh, there’s always that risk. Fortunately though, I’ve found this; a wine that is both gutsy yet elegant and smooth. The aroma is equal parts fruit, spice, and earthiness, while the palate is pleasantly light by shiraz standards. Blueberries, cherry and dark chocolate work well with each other, while a back note of spice, liquorice and cedar gives the overall flavour a savoury tang and a rather moreish savoury finish.
James Halliday: 95 Full crimson-purple; a very interesting wine, with more spicy/savoury characters on both its bouquet and palate; less opulently rich than its cheaper sibling, but has greater length and finesse, those attributes built around the more spicy characters; how this ties in with the alcohol, I have no idea; it doesn't help to be told nothing about these four '12 shirazs.
The Age Good Wine Guide: This shiraz has a complex nose that has the benefit of some nice winemaking. Oak adds aromatic lift and spicy complexity here; there's a little pepper and earth too, plum and licorice – very much in the regional stamp. The palate's rich yet soft, and the oak peeks above the radar here. There's plenty of sweet spice, decent carry, ripe dark fruits and mocha to close.
FROM THE WINERY: Mostly sourced from a vineyard nestled in the foothills at the top of McMurtrie Road, a small percentage also came from a site at Maslin’s Beach. The fruit from McMurtrie Road delivers the primary line and structure of the wine, while the fruit from Maslin's Beach builds tannin and dept to the wine. Pair with roast leg of lamb studded with garlic & rosemary or perfect with wood-oven roasted lamb shoulder.
Don't Pay: $40.00
WBW Rating: 95/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: McLaren Vale, SA
Winemaker: Kevin O'Brien
Drink now until: 2032
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %
