2016 First Drop The Cream Shiraz

The Cream is sourced from some of the Barossa’s top districts, Ebenezer (52%), Greenock (35%) and Seppeltsfield (13%) with maturation taking place in French oak hogsheads (35% new) and American oak barriques (13% new) for a period of 20 months. Magnificent pitch black in colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Intoxicating scents of liquorice, blackberry, dark plum and dark chocolate waft out of the glass with tremendous intensity followed by vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice notes. Rich and concentrated yet perfectly balanced the full bodied palate is awash with dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits. Dark chocolate, vanillin cedar, earth and spicy mocha characters ensue. Opulent yet refined mouthfeel finishing with a surprising lick of freshness. Velvet smooth tannins with a long powerful aftertaste.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews….
From three vineyards in Ebenezer, Greenock and Seppeltsfield, fermentation finished in French hogsheads (35% new) and American barriques (13% new), matured for 20 months. Superb colour; while the richest, full-bodied of the First Drop Shirazs, it adds yet further with the perfection of the mouthfeel and balance. The higher price than that of its siblings is appropriate. Drink by 2056.
97 points
James Halliday – The Australian Wine Companion