Awarded 97 points by Ray Jordan, this is a commanding Barossa Shiraz of unmistakably grand scale, drawn from largely unirrigated Rowland Flat vines reportedly between 35 and 75 years of age, with very low yields and élevage in mostly new French oak for 12 to 14 months. In the glass it shows an almost opaque, deep maroon-purple hue, and the wine unfolds with dark plum, blackcurrant and blackberry fruit layered with dark chocolate, spice, anise, soy, black olive and subtle vanilla-oak richness. What elevates it beyond sheer power is the way its density is carried: full, concentrated and lavish, yet smoothed by sleek tannins, lively acidity and the kind of integrated structure Jordan described as having a “smooth seamless texture.” The 2020 Barossa season was notably low-yielding, with regional production well below average, but quality was widely reported as high; that character seems to echo here in the wine’s depth, concentration and long, composed finish.

Critic Scores:

• 97 - Ray Jordan (Winepilot)

• 96 - Ken Gargett (Winepilot)

• 95 - Shanteh Wale (Winepilot)

• 94 - Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)