2012 Plantagenet Shiraz

Shiraz grown in the Great Southern area of Western Australia is renowned for its cool climate attributes of spice, black and white pepper and aniseed which are overlaid with strong ripe berry flavours. It is believed that the extremes of diurnal temperatures (warm days and very cool nights) throughout the growing season contribute to these characteristics.

Throw in a vintage like 2012 where warmer growing conditions and lower yields were experienced and you get an additional level of concentration and richness not normally associated with WA Shiraz. The fruit was sourced from Plantagenet’s old Wyjup and Bouverie vineyards which have an average vine age of over 40 years. Maturation took place in French oak.

‘Texturally rich and full, this exquisite marriage of precision and power is WA Shiraz at its absolute best.’

Opaque black crimson colour with deep dark crimson black hue. The nose offers up a complex mix of aromas including liquorice intermixed with some ripe black cherries followed by a hint of vanillin confectionary, some meatiness and blackpepper. The palate boasts superb richness with a sumptuous and very concentrated flavour profile of liquorice, blackpepper and ripe black cherries followed by some vanillin oak, meatiness and a long spicy peppered finish. Outstanding depth and power. Solid slightly chewy tannins provide the framework and are cleverly concealed by the layers of fruit that saturate the palate. Very long black cherry, liquorice, blackpepper, vanillin oak and dried meats aftertaste.
Alc 14.6%

Other Reviews....
Composed, well-tailored wine. Complex nose of autumn leaves, tar, sweet blackberry and smoky oak. Blends savoury, spicy, leafy elements with powerful, dark-berried fruits confidently and well. Has a seamlessness to it. Has a reach of fine, rippling tannin working positively throughout. Difficult to fault.
95 points
Campbell Mattinson - James Hallidays Wine Companion (Sep 2021)