2023 Nicks Secret YP Limited Cuvee Greenock Shiraz

From a celebrated husband-and-wife team whose work we've previously highlighted, this flagship Shiraz embodies the power and richness of the Barossa Valley while maintaining remarkable finesse. Sourced from a dry-grown Greenock block planted in the 1960’s and farmed by fourth-generation grower, this is the estate’s flagship bottling that normally sells for around $120 per bottle. Suitably packaged in a hefty sized bowling pin like bottle, total production was just 102 cases. Maturation took place in French oak puncheons, 30% new, for a period of 24 months.

A rich, opulent yet highly finessed Barossa Shiraz that at third of its normal price represents phenomenal value.

Magnificent depth of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart and a very deep dark red black hue. Intense blackberry, liquorice and dark plum scents flood the nostrils followed by some vanillin cedar, earth, gentle mocha and pepper notes. Rich dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits are delivered with impressive textural flesh and power yet it feels refined and not heavy. Slightly grainy but polished tannins with notions of spicy vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth lying underneath. A dash of blueberry lends a fresh feel across the long opulent yet eloquent finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.9%

Other Reviews….
This comes from a 1960 planted Shiraz vineyard in Greenock. The rich, deep colour points to its power and intensity. But this is a lavish wine with texture and fruit concentration that is perfectly crafted and refined. That combination of basket pressing and gentle extraction, and maturation before going into oak sets the wine up. This one gets a little more new French oak than a lot of the ******* wines with 50% in new French oak punctions where it was left for 24 months. But the rich, opulent fruit has absorbed that oak perfectly for a seamless, layered complexity. This is a wine that’s built for some ageing. Drink 2025-2045.
96 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com

Sourced from the Old Bamboo Vineyard in Greenock and tended by David Materne, these vines were planted in the 1960s. This is de stemmed whole berries matured in 50% new French oak on lees for 24 months. A pool of blackcurrant, plum and bilberries, with a circle of carob and coffee grinds. Licorice bullets, tanned leather and long pepper. The palate lifts with dancing acidity and some pillowy tufts of soft tannins. Dried bay leaf and oregano add to the crimson hues and the palate is discerningly dry and yet refreshing. This is the kind of wine you order at a restaurant and then continue to reorder till the night is almost through. It’s full of gentility and sophistication. An ideal match for any dry aged steak. Drink now or will cellar for another 5- 8 years further. Drink 2025-2033.
95 Points
Shanteh Wale – WinePilot.com