2018 Nicks Secret GOM Barossa Valley Shiraz

We have featured this estate’s Reserve Shiraz many times over the years with great success. This wine is their flagship offering, matured for 18 months in new French oak hogsheads with only the very best barrels selected to make it into the final blend. From the outstanding 2018 vintage and with some decent bottle age behind it, this represents a terrific buy at half its normal price.

A dense, large scaled Barossa Shiraz that’s decadently rich yet firmly structured.

Totally impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Wafting out of the glass with great potency are dark to black plum, liquorice and black cherry scents which are trailed by some toasty vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice notes. About as dense as a wine can get, the large scaled, blockbuster palate is saturated with decadently rich dark to black plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits which are firmly framed by a muscular tannin structure. Lending further interest are spicy vanillin oak, earthy mocha and subtle peppered fennel elements. Exceptionally concentrated and powerful, it concludes long and opulent yet maintains a robust feel.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews....
The fruit for the Estate Shiraz comes from their Gomersal Vineyard in the Barossa Valley with 12 days fermenting on skins and then a year and a half maturing in new French oak hogsheads. Barrel selection led to 705 six-packs. Again, cracking value and a real step up. A superb vintage which now has a few years under its belt, all adding to the complexity. Opaque magenta, the nose gives black fruits, mocha, dry herbs, chocolate, espresso and cassis. A little sweet oak is evident as well. This is beautifully structured, very long with silky cashmere tannins. There is focus, weight, balance and length here. Utterly delicious, to enjoy over the next eight to twelve years. Drink 2024-2036.
96 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com