2015 Gibson Reserve Shiraz

Rob Gibson’s story began in the early 1980s when Penfolds Chief winemaker formulated a project to identify the very best quality Shiraz grapes for Grange Hermitage. This ground breaking work developed new assessments about the production of the best Shiraz and connected vineyard block characteristics at verasion and again prior to harvest with the resultant wine characters and wine value. Gibson led the project until he left to start 'Gibson Barossavale Wines' in 1997. He earned the nickname ‘Dirtman’ because of his obsession about vine growth which lead him to dig deep pits in between vines in order to discover the secret workings of the root system and whether there is any correlation between soils, minerals and the ultimate quality of the wine.

The Dirtman strikes gold with this brilliant Barossa Shiraz.

A blend of 91% Shiraz and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was matured for 18 months in a mixture of 67% French oak and 33% American oak. Totally opaque midnight black core with a very deep black dark red hue. Wafting out of the glass are heady aromatics of liquorice, blackberry and dark plum followed by spicy vanillin cedar, subtle mocha, fennel and blackpepper notes. Gorgeously rich and plush the powerful palate is engulfed with lavish liquorice, ripe black cherry and blackberry flavours underpinned by smoky vanillin cedar, fennel and light scorched earth. Finishes very peppery and expansive with velvet smooth yet structured tannins. Opulent black fruits infused with blackpepper lingering long onto the aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…
This is serious gear in the inimitable Barossan way: dark fruit allusions all, meshed to fruitcake spice, hung meats, cherry liqueur, anise, sexy floral aromas and manicured bitter coffee tannins. An avatar of warm climate richness and balance, with the oak merely an echo of vanilla. Drink by 2030.
95 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Wine Companion