2023 Hentley Farm The Beast Shiraz

Doused with lashings of black fruit, this is a power packed, opulent and dense Barossa Shiraz.

Selected from a single block high on the estate peak, where the soils are shallow and exposure to sunlight is long, the Beast embodies all the classic Barossa attributes of power, concentration, richness and structure. Maturation took place in French oak (60% new and 40% seasoned) for a period of 22 months.
Magnificent colour saturation featuring an impenetrable inky black heart and a near equally deep dark red black hue. Potent ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark plum scents soar out of the glass followed by some spicy vanillin cedar, mocha, earth and subtle peppered fennel notes. Rich, densely concentrated and opulent yet possessing an underlying freshness, the weighty palate is coated with lavish dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits. Spicy vanillin cedar, subtle earthy mocha and peppered fennel elements are also evident. Velvety yet structurally sturdy tannins. Power packed it finishes exceptionally long and sumptuous.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.8%

Other Reviews…..
Shiraz from D block on the Hentley Farm estate in the western Barossa, destemmed and aged in French oak (60% new, 40% seasoned) for 22 months. Bright magenta-splashed crimson with a heady array of beautifully plush blueberry, blackberry and dark plum fruits. Hints of baking spices, cedar, vanilla pod, licorice, dark chocolate, citrus blossom, tobacco and roasting meats. Pure and opulent from woah-to-go. Travels with harmony and latent power and is backed by super-compact, silty tannins and fine mineral focus. A wine and winery in fantastic form. Drink by 2045.
96+ Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Deep crimson. Intense dark chocolate cedar, black berry aromas with hits of wax polish. Beautifully balanced wine with pure blackberry pastille fruits, velvety form tannins and underlying roasted chestnut, cedar notes. Finishes Claret-firm with minerally notes. A beastly good Barossa Shiraz with very good ageing potential. Drink 2028–2042.
97 Points
Ken Gargett – The Vintage Journal