A strong showing in the face of challenging conditions in McLaren Vale over the 2014 vintage. Assertive aromas of blackberry and white pepper give way to classic McLaren fruit; bold and brashy dark cherry on the palate, finishing roundly with a fine tannin structure.
Past Accolades and Awards:
2013: 94 Points. James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion: "Deep, intense purple-crimson; one whiff of this wine tells you its origin; McLaren Vale, and that coat of fine, dark Belgian/Swiss chocolate, its bitterness (in the best sense) carving back the impact the alcohol otherwise might have made, and lengthening the seductive palate."
2014 Vintage report: Strong winds hit the region, impacting on fruit set and reducing yields across the region. McLaren Vale suffered the effects of the heatwaves, with rainfall of only 30-50mm in mid-February.
The mild weather that followed was the saviour. McLaren Vale Shiraz can best be described in two halves; the first intake of earlier ripening sites were full of delicate flavours and mild baumes, the second Shiraz intake more classic McLaren Vale, with big luscious fruit profiles. Quality once again looks very strong.
Don't Pay: $29.99
WBW Rating: 95/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: McLaren Vale, SA
Winemaker: Ben Perkins
Drink now until: 2030
Alc/Vol: 15 %
