2016 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.
Aged in French oak for 18 months. Impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Hedonistic aromas of ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate intoxicate the olfactory senses. Vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice notes ensue. A rich core of blackberry, dark plum and liquorice fruit saturates the full bodied palate. Dark chocolate, lightly toasted vanillin oak, subtle fennel and spicy mocha add complexity. Decadent, plush and powerful, the superb fruit concentration is complimented by silky smooth tannins. Very long, opulently textured aftertaste.
The dirtman does it again.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%