2021 Barr-Eden Estate Mengler’s Hill Avenue to Gold Shiraz

Sitting across the Eden Valley and Barossa Valley at a high elevation on Mengler’s Hill, Barr Eden Estate is owned by Michael Twelftree (of Two Hand’s fame) and a Frenchman by the name of Pierre-Henri Morel who comes from the Northern Rhone. From the outstanding 2021 vintage, one of the world’s pre-eminent wine critics, Antonio Galloni’s Vinous Media, recently scored this wine a whopping 98 points. To put this into context, they scored the 2021 Penfolds Grange 97 points and 2021 Henschke Hill of Grace 98 points, both priced at around $1000 per bottle. At just $54.99, that makes this wine a vinous bargain by any measure.

Rich, plush and incredibly long yet not overbearing, this is a superb marriage of opulence and finesse.

Pitch black heart with a very deep dark purple black tinged hue. Wafting through the nostrils with great potency are aromas of dark plum, liquorice and dark chocolate which are complemented by some blackberry, vanillin cedar, earthy mocha and spice notes. Rich, plush and incredibly long, cascading waves of dark plum, liquorice, blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate fruit saturate the full bodied palate. Layered across the back half are notions of spicy vanillin cedar and earthy mocha elements. Exceptionally concentrated and powerful yet refined it has seamlessly integrated, velvet smooth tannins. The expansive finish, a marriage of opulence and finesse.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.4%

Other Reviews….
The 2021 Shiraz Avenue to Gold slowly reveals beautifully composed and even aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, red licorice and touches of dried herbs, all wrapped up in a cocoon of fine French oak. Its seamless, satiny texture enhances powerful and energetic flavors that are both youthful and refined. Firm yet fine tannins drive the long, impressive finish. This is absolutely great but needs time to flower. Drink 2032-2042.
98 Points
Angus Hughson - Vinous