2016 Spence Shiraz

Pitch black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Potent aniseed top notes are followed by dark plum, black cherry, scorched earth, vanillin cedar and peppered meats. Rich and full in body the palate is swamped with liquorice and black cherry fruits which are underscored by smoked meat, earthy leather and blackpepper elements. Firm chewy tannin structure with a long ripe yet muscular aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.8%

Other Reviews….
20yo vines (a mix of clones), co-fermented with 3% viognier, 20% whole bunches, 10% of the juice ran off, 20 days on skins, matured for 16 months in French oak (10% new). This approach simply builds further on the propensity of the Geelong region to produce full-bodied shiraz with spice and licorice partners to the fruit. Drink by 2040.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion