RRP$40
Barossa Valley, SA, Australia
This was something of a spiteful purchase for me. After being disappointed by my last Barossan Shiraz, I really wanted to have a good one. I was tossing up between two but noticed that this was the same vintage as the Yalumba I reviewed, so could be a good comparison. Not that this is the point, but I'm a curious guy. It is, to put things simple, wildly different.
This feels so much more alive and vibrant than almost every other Barossa Shiraz I have had in the past. If I were a gambling man, I would guess that this was harvested a bit earlier - the acid is high and the alcohol sits at 13.6%abv - quite low by Barossa standards. The tannins are also so soft and well controlled, which is a bit of a shock given that this spent 20 months in French and American oak (both old and new). The colour here is not as concentrated or dark as a lot of Shiraz, but it still is a deep, crimson red. The nose is fragrant, superfragrant even, with plum, dried cherry, pot pourri, cinnamon, old leather and butcher's block. It is a decidedly elegant and refined wine, which is not something I associated with the region, but it doesn't sacrifice flavour in the slightest. Cherry liqueur, raspberry and blood orange come through, with dried petals and Mediterranean herbs. This really does walk the line between fruity and savoury effortlessly, giving the wine so much interest and character. It's a masterclass in balance, really. Pay attention, folks, this is how it's done.
Rating: ★★★★
Have it with? It's pretty versatile. Could easily be drunk on its own or with a rare steak. Go with your gut.
Classic, weird or funky? Classic. But don't expect a typical, full bodied Barossa Shiraz.
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