2021 Nicks Secret SE ERB Barossa Shiraz

Produced by an under the radar estate with limited local distribution, this bold expression of Barossa Shiraz has a winery listed price of around $120 per bottle which is perhaps a little over the top. Made by winemaker Jo Irvine from the great 2021 vintage, utilising some of the estate's best fruit, this punches well above it’s weight at the Nicks Secret price of just $19.99.

A deep, powerful Barossa Shiraz that oozes opulence.

Matured in French oak hogsheads for 24 months. Dense inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Heady dark plum, liquorice, ripe blackberry and dark chocolate aromas waft through the nostrils complimented by notes of earth, vanillin cedar and spicy mocha. Rich and voluptuous, the dense weighty palate is completely immersed in dark to black plum, liquorice, ripe black cherry and blackberry fruits. Spicy vanillin cedar, earthy dark chocolate and subtle fennel characters extend across the back half. Ripe and polished it has slightly chewy tannins and a deep, powerful finish that oozes opulence.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15.5%

Other Reviews….
A rich and opulent wine from this outstanding Barossa vintage. Layers of dark richly concentrated plummy fruit topped with syrupy dark chocolate. Apart from its opulence and richness, the feature is the balance, with a seamlessly interwoven tannin and oak combination cuddling it through to a long finish. It’s a bold wine but the balance keeps it under control. Drink 2024-2042
95 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com

Sweetly ripe and richly expressed, the bouquet shows dark fruit intensity, toasty oak, cake spice and rich floral aromas, followed by a flavoursome palate that's filled with succulent fruit flavours, backed by silky texture and beautifully melded tannins, offering terrific drinking. At its best: now to 2035.
95 Points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit

We are told that **** means heritage and the team see this wine as reflecting the heritage of their vineyards. Jo Irvine is the winemaker. Under cork, just 14,800 bottles made. A vibrant maroon colour, the nose exhibits well-handled oak, as well as some spicy notes of cassis, chocolate, soy, blackberries, florals and liquorice. It is seamless and seductive, neatly balanced with good acidity, silky tannins and impressive length. This will offer pleasure for the next 12 to 15 years. Drink now–2039
94 Points
The Vintage Journal