Old Vine Shiraz 2023

This is the other wine in the new range of Old Vines and what a cracker it is. After gentle basket pressing, this wine went to American oak barrels for a year and a half. It has given the final wine a sleek, plush and generous nature which works wonderfully well. A deep red hue, there is real concentration here. We have notes of raspberries, truffles, plums, black fruits, leather and cocoa powder. A wine of power, focus and concentration, this really needs a few years in the cellar before opening (not that you won’t enjoy it earlier if patience is not your thing). After that, it will drink beautifully for the following ten to twelve years. A very long finish with fine, silky tannins, the palate sees the emergence of notes of soy and beef stock. Terrific stuff and in comparison, with some prestige releases from the region, brilliant value.

Upfront and gorgeously expressed, the bouquet presents black and blueberry notes, rich floral elements, star anise, and cedar characters. The richly expressed palate offers a plump mouthfeel and silky texture, beautifully supported by polished tannins, resulting in terrific drinking. At its best: now to 2038

These old Barossa vines produce such beautiful fruit. In this case the fruit was open fermented before basket pressing and then ageing for 18 months in American oak, which seems to suit the style in this case. The ripe and generous dark berry fruits are complemented by a spicy vanillin combination. Loads of fruit power here but it’s delivered with polish and poise.

Deep crimson with aromas of blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits. Hints of dark chocolate, cassis, licorice, violets, blackforest cake, earth and violets. There is a depth and broodiness to the fruit on the palate; deep and dark with just a little light penetrating in the way of fine acidity. Tthe spice array is more in line with clove, star anise. The acidity is bright and blackcurrant-y, and the tannins are silty and thick on the tongue. Solid stuff. Drink by 2040

The 2023 Old Vine Barossa Shiraz is rich and dense on the nose, with the sweet whisky lactones from the American oak (it had an élevage of 18 months) rising out of the glass. The fruit speaks of raspberry, blackberry, licorice and notes of roasted game. The fruit is sourced from vineyards around Bethany, in the Barossa Valley, and the wine is comfortingly old school yet fresh and well made. It's of a style, and well done. 2025-2033