2021 Nicks Secret ANGL McLaren Vale Shiraz

From a very well-known family owned estate with an Italian-Australian heritage, this McLaren Vale winery burst onto the scene in the early 2000’s when the then, world's most powerful wine critic, Robert Parker, lauded many of the wines with scores in the high nineties.
Named in honour of the family’s matriarch, this plush Shiraz was matured in a mix of 25% new French, 5% new American and 70% seasoned oak hogsheads for a period of 16 months.

Oozing with succulence, this rich, seductive McLaren Vale Shiraz is a compelling buy at close to half it’s normal price.

Dense inky black heart with a near equally deep dark red black hue. Heady aromas of liquorice, blackberry and dark plum engulf the nostrils complimented by some vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice notes. Rich, plush and seductive, the full, weighty palate is swamped with liquorice, blackberry and dark plum fruits that are oozing with succulence. Spicy vanillin oak, subtle earthy mocha and traces of peppered fennel also chime in. Boasting abundant power and a nicely built tannin structure that has a velvety feel, it finishes long and opulent.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews....
It revels in its full flex of the variety and the accompanying woody seasoning. Dark fruit, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, turned earth and undergrowth going on. It soars on the pulverised granite grip of tannins and lingers with its epic array of woody spice. Big vibe, big energy, big wine, and great harmony in all that. Classic stuff.
95 Points
Mike Bennie – Wine Business Magazine

This is immediately appealing on the nose with dark fruit intensity, game, toasted spice, and cedary oak characters. The palate delivers succulent fruit intensity with spicy nuances, splendidly framed by silky texture and polished tannins, making it structured and plush at the same time. At its best: now to 2038.
95 Points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit

Named after the matriarch of the *** family, the wine hails from the south-western district of McLaren Vale where much of the *** fruit grows. This is a more demure expression than other Shiraz in the family portfolio, the fruit notes dark blue in tone with subtle vanillin oak integrated now after 20 months maturation in 10% new French and 5% new American barrels. Despite its depths, the palate is quite lively, acidity fresh and flavoursome with its spot on fruit energy, tannins prominent yet balanced with the overall weight of the wine. Most enjoyable.
94 Points
Tony Love – WinePilot.com