2011 Linke Shiraz

Just in time for Winter, the Linke Shiraz is back delivering exuberance and richness a plenty.
The Linke wines have a pedigree of pushing flavour and texture beyond their price point, to a degree that some 'wine gentry' find intimidating. They are undeniably plush reds, occasionally disparaged as 'fruit bombs', however we feel 'flavour bomb' would be a more apt descriptor. These wines go beyond obvious primary fruit.

Located in Tanunda in the Barossa, Linke remains a 5th generation family owned producer. Their two vineyards - the "Stonewell Block" on the western side of the Barossa, and the "Dorrien" which is on the valley floor, consistently produce top notch fruit for renowned labels (including St Hallets and Langmiel, as well as being recognised at Penfolds as a "Top Shelf’ grower). Since 2002, a portion of fruit has been reserved for the family's own label.

A superb effort from what is generally considered a challenging vintage. A very worthy follow up to the exceptional 2010.
Totally opaque inky black colour with black dark red hue. The nose exhibits aromas of liquorice, black cherry and dark chocolate followed by some spicy vanillin confectionary – perhaps not quite as expressive as the 2010 at this point in time. Bold, rich and voluptuous the palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of liquorice and black cherry which are dominate over vanillin confectionary with a peppery back palate. Velvet smooth tannins create a plushly textured mouthfeel. Showing excellent persistence the wine finishes with a long super rich liquorice, black cherry, vanillin confectionary and blackpepper aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years (2013-2017)
Alc 15.7%