2017 Shaw & Smith Shiraz

Sourced from low yielding vines predominantly at Balhannah, in the central Adelaide Hills, and from Macclesfield, the warmer and drier sub-regions to the south, this is one of the benchmark Shiraz’ of the region. The cooler vintage conditions of 2017 meant harvest was four weeks later than usual. The fruit was fermented as a combination of whole berries and whole bunches in open fermenters and the resulting wine aged in French oak (33% new) for a period of 14 months.

Supple, expansive and complex this is a first class example of cool climate Shiraz.

Totally opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Intense aromatics of spicy dark plum, liquorice and dried clove sail out of the glass followed by notes of cedar, some meatiness, light earth and peppered herbs. Medium to full bodied, rich and expansive yet at the same time very polished and elegant, the palate is engulfed with spicy plum, liquorice and dark cherry fruits which are gently infused with clove and meaty characters over a backdrop of subtle vanillin cedar, earthy herbs and pepper. Supple mouthfeel with silky tannins and well balanced acidity finishing with a long moreish aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Time for a standing ovation. This is superb in its complexity, fruit power and persistence. It's a meaty, clovey, spice-ridden shiraz, but the core is spread with dense plum, redcurrant, anise and violets. That meatiness though: it's gorgeous. And when combined with wood smoke and peppercorns, it puts the stars within reach. It is simply gorgeous. Drink by 2036.
97 points
Campbell Mattinson – James Halliday’s Wine Companion