2021 Nicks Secret TCWR Barossa Shiraz

With a Barossa heritage going back six generations this renown family owned Estate knows a thing or two about producing top notch Shiraz. This offering is one of their icon wines that sells for around $120 but under it’s Nicks Secret guise it can be had at $90.00 off for just $29.99. Only produced in exceptional vintages and impressively packaged with a wax seal, maturation took place in American oak (40% new) for a period of 18 months with only the best barrels selected for the final blend.

Rich, thick and voluptuously textured with a decent whack of vanillin oak behind it, this is trademark old school Barossa Shiraz.

Magnificent density of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart and a near equally deep dark red black hue. Heady scents of dark plum, liquorice, ripe blackberry, choc mint and vanillin oak waft through the nostrils followed by some fennel, mocha and spice notes. Rich, thick and voluptuously textured, the hefty palate is saturated with lavish dark plum, liquorice and choc mint flavours. A decent wack of subtlety toasted vanillin oak, fennel, mocha and spice characteristics the undercard. Ripe velvety tannins have a sturdy underbelly. Dense and powerful, it finishes long, plush and opulent.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
It may sound like the proverbial broken record, but anyone who has not overstocked their cellar with the superb wines from the 2021 vintage in regions like the Barossa will come to regret their inexplicable dithering. The wine is named after a family ancestor who commissioned the first paddle steamer seen on the Murray River (okay, perhaps not quite the search for the source of the Nile, but still very impressive). After fermentation, maturation was in American oak, 40% of which was new, for a year and a half. The final wine is a barrel selection. Under cork. Near black in colour, with a dark maroon rim, the quality of the year shines through. We have aromas weaving through tobacco leaves, chocolate, beef stock, mocha, cocoa powder, cassis and a hint of gum leaf. There is serious concentration here with a supple, sleek and seductive texture, leading to silky tannins. The wine has balance, density and energy. Still refreshing, it offers superb length and will drink magnificently for the next twenty years. Drink 2026-2046.
97 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

A truly marvelous example of this wonderful Barossa vintage. It's made with a distinct handcrafted style from the picking through to the winery, where it's managed in small batches. Deep dark colors on the nose of plummy black fruits, dark chocolate, and subtle spices combined beautifully. The palate packs so much, and yet it is supremely balanced and poised. Spicy dark fruits with a slightly more pronounced mocha richness complementing the berries' dark chocolate notes. Has everything you want to support extended cellaring.
97 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com

This powerful and graceful Shiraz offers an enticing bouquet of dark-fruit richness, smoked game, assorted nuts, and mocha. On the palate, it exhibits superb weight and seductive complexity with a velvety texture. The wine is wonderfully harmonious and seamless, showcasing outstanding depth and opulence with an impressively long, gratifying finish. At its best: now to 2039.
97 Points
Sam Kim – WinePilot.com