2016 Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz

Magnificent inky black heart with a very deep black dark red hue. Intoxicating aromas of blackberry, liquorice and fennel are intermixed with dark plum, smoky vanillin cedar, dried meats, earth, black olive and black pepper. Rich blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits are layered across the full bodied palate that is opulent yet also structured. Paving their way onto the back half are elements of dried meats, earthy fennel characters, smoky vanillin cedar and blackpepper. Sturdy yet polished tannins with an underlying freshness. Concludes long and powerful but also refined.
Cellar 8-10 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
Long an iconic wine, particularly among American critics, this has revealed a lighter shade of late. The fruit, no longer desiccated. Dense and impressive, if this is your schtick. Powerful, sure. But energetic, long and far from drying. An arsenal of sexy oak meets liquorice back strap, smoked meats, blue to black fruits and a squeegee of anise-scented acidity. Drink by 2031.
95 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion