2021 Nicks Secret UC Shiraz

Hard to imagine better value in McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Finally, the long awaited return of Nicks Secret UC Shiraz, this time from the much heralded 2021 vintage. Matured in new and aged French oak for 15 months it features an impenetrable inky black heart along with a very deep dark red black hue. Wafting out of the glass are scents of freshly crushed blackberries, plum and liquorice followed by spicy vanillin cedar and peppered earth notes. Rich fleshy dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits are delivered with terrific concentration as well as a youthful freshness. Lingering on the back half are inky earth, spicy vanillin cedar and pepper characters. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins with a long pepper infused aftertaste. With some bottle age this will further soften and fill out beautifully. The perfect BBQ red.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Last vintage, I thought the previous release of this wine might be the bargain of the year. This one goes close again. ****** is fast becoming one of my favourite reds for great drinking and exceptional value. The name comes from recognition that the McLaren Vale region supplied their best grapes to other districts for decades, where they contributed to so many cracking wines without due recognition – Langhorne Creek would be another region with a similar lack of credit.
The specific vineyards contributing here are found in Lower Tintara, Conte and Klaveniek. The juice went into small open batch fermenters before 15 months maturation in a mix of new and older French oak. The colour is a vibrant deep purple. The nose moves through an array of enticing aromas including cloves, florals, black olives and bitter dark chocolate. There is a wonderful plushness to the wine with notes of cassis, a hint of vanilla, coffee beans, chocolate and oodles of mocha on the palate. Seamless and supple, I’m sure that this could handle the best part of six to eight years in the cellar, but I wonder why you would not jump on to it now.
Drink 2022-2030.
94 points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com