2023 Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz

Rich and plush yet simultaneously fresh and refined with a long generously fruited yet quite eloquent finish.

From vines up to 70 years old located in Eden Valley (40%) and the Barossa Valley (60%) with maturation taking place in 10% new and 90% seasoned French oak hogsheads for a period of 17 months.
Impenetrable pitch black heart with a deep dark purple black tinged hue. Sailing through the nostrils are aromas of peppered liquorice, dark plum and blueberry followed by some scorched earth and fennel notes. Rich and plush yet simultaneously fresh and refined in it’s flow, the medium to full bodied palate is decorated with red to dark plum, liquorice and ripe blueberry fruits. Spicy vanillin cedar, subtle earth and peppered fennel characters then present themselves. Polished velvet like tannin structure with a long generously fruited yet quite eloquent finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
This vintage celebrates 21 years of Tappa Pass Shiraz. The wine has a long history of graceful ageing so you can only imagine that that will continue with the ’23 vintage. The maker suggests another good 20+ years and why not, for amid the black fruits, the violet florals, the spice and earthiness, there is a solid backbone firmly in place. A pure elegance resides here dressed in brilliant crimson-purple hues accompanied by a rousing bouquet of blackberries, violet, Aussie bush scents, black cherries, plum, spice. The palate, nicely crafted, shows a hint of earthy savouriness before launching into a rich trove of spices in cassia bark, clove and dark spiced woody notes to match the dark chocolate, Cherry Ripe and oak (French oak, 10% new). Comes together with an overall Wow! on the finish. Drink 2026-2043.
96 Points
Jeni Port – WinePilot.com