2023 Nicks Secret UC Shiraz

The 2023 vintage has yielded yet another exceptional buying opportunity of the Nicks Secret UC Shiraz. From one of McLaren Vale’s top wineries, this is a blend of three different vineyards with maturation taking place in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads for a period of 15 months.

Rich, generous and full of flavour this is a cracking McLaren Vale Shiraz for the price.

Wonderful density of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart and a very deep dark purple black tinged hue. Ripe blackberry and dark plum aromas engulf the nostrils with some liquorice, delicately smoked vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth notes also apparent. Rich and sumptuous, the palate is awash with opulently textured blackberry, dark plum and liquorice fruits. Terrific concentration and depth for the price with undertones of spicy vanillin cedar, subtle mocha, fennel and peppered earth. Velvet smooth tannins concluding long, plush and deeply fruited.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Naming the wine ‘*******’ is a nod to McLaren Vale’s history of providing first class red grapes to so many other regions for so many years. Nowadays, Langhorne Creek probably fills that role. McLaren Vale is, thankfully, finally receiving the accolades it deserves. The fruit here came from three different vineyards in the region, planted between 20 and 140 years ago. Maturation was for 15 months in a mix of new and older French oak hogsheads. The colour is an opaque maroon. The nose offers a range of flavours, incorporating cassis, mocha, spices, blueberries, chocolate and a touch of slightly coconutty oak, an absolutely alluring nose. This is seamless with a supple and seductive texture, very good length and silky tannins while the intensity is maintained for the full journey. This is a cracker that will drink beautifully for at least the next dozen years. Love it. Drink 2025-2037.
94 points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

Wonderfully fruited and enticing, the wine shows black and purple fruit richness, violet, mixed spice, and stylish oak characters on the nose, followed by a concentrated palate that's succulent and fleshy. Tannins are polished and beautifully integrated, leading to a persistent and sturdy finish. At its best: now to 2035.
95 points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit