2021 Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz

The Massena venture was started by two High School mates, Dan Standish (formerly winemaker at Torbreck) and Jaysen Collins (previously manager at Turkey Flat). The duo are noted for trialling unusual varieties such as Primitivo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Roussanne, Saperavi and Tannat. The sixty year old Shiraz vines from Greenock that form the base of this wine were ready to be uprooted due to the lack of yields and the reluctance of other companies to pay extra for the A grade fruit. After repeated requests for access to these grapes, at 'the eleventh hour' the owners agreed to stop the bulldozer and retain a small area of vines. No American oak is used at Massena. After 15 months in seasoned French oak the wine was moved to tank in individual components for several months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep black dark red hue. Intense dark plum and liquorice aromas waft through the nostrils followed by some blackberry, dark chocolate, vanillin oak, mocha and spicy earth notes. Rich, dense and lavish, the palate is saturated with a concentrate of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits which meld into vanillin cedar, earth, fennel and subtle spicy mocha elements. Opulent in its texture yet possessing an underlying blueberry like freshness it boasts velvet smooth tannins and great power. Finishes long and sumptuous.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
Old-vine shiraz sourced from the Barossa's northwest corner, from a strong vintage for the region. Plush satsuma plum and blueberry fruits dredged with spice and flecked with citrus blossom top notes that slide effortlessly across the palate. There is a pleasing velvety flow and energy to this wine as it moves in the mouth; fine, pumice-stone tannins providing ample support and a finish that lingers with pure berry fruits and spice. Nice one. Drink by 2035.
95 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion