Shiraz 97%, Viognier 3%. The 2019 Shiraz demonstrates again that our part of the Yarra can produce wonderfully spicy, elegant and age-worthy Shiraz. An energetic array of blueberry, white pepper, and bay leaf aromas leap from the glass, followed by Moroccan spice notes, liquorice and dark cherry. The palate has brightness and energy as well as a beguiling subtle, savoury depth. The fruit rides on the back of a powerful yet perfectly pitched tannic framework that provides wonderful drive, and delivers a wine of freshness and length. The wine evolves beautifully, settling into its frame and showing lovely poise, control and lingering complexity. A wine to enjoy for at least the next 10 years. – Sandra de Pury
A lot of complexity and savouriness come out to play this vintage, alongside a wonderful coolness across the palate. Expect dark plums, licorice and menthol, juniper, a dash of pepper and roasted root vegetables. It’s fuller- bodied, with a covering of textural tannins and bright acidity. 95 points. Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
An elegant, fresh red-fruited style that has aromas of red plums, raspberries and redcurrants, as well as some leafy, dried-woody tones. The palate has tautness, crisp fine tannin and fresh, crunchy red-plum flavour. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 94 points. Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com December 2021
It’s well powered and framed, it’s sealed under screw cap, and it’s from a farm noted for the longevity of the wine it produces, among other things, and yet still the back label calmly notes that “it will mature gracefully in the cellar for 5 or 6 years or more”. That’s a fair understatement I would have thought. Red berried fruit flavours edge gently into darker tones, gum leaf and floral aspects add lift, cedarwood oak – still in the process of fully integrating – adds seasoning, and dry, fine tannin, slightly woody tannin runs through the (sustained) finish. Everything is in good order here, and it will age well. Indeed it’s best left alone for a few years to start showing at its best. 93+ points. Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front January 2022
