Eisenstone SV907 Becker Vineyard Shiraz 2022
G 96
Medium-deep crimson. Intense and aromatic blackberry pastille, dark cherry, praline aromas with hint sage/ bush garrigue notes. Generously concentrated blackberry, dark chocolate, hint chinotto flavours, fine, loose-knit chalky tannins and well-integrated mocha notes. Finishes firm and minerally. Very good density, vigour and savoury complexity. Drink now–2042 Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 G 96 Medium-deep crimson. Lifted pure cassis, cedar, violet aromas. Classical Claret style with lovely blackcurrant fruits, fine grained tannins and underlying vanilla, roasted chestnut notes. Finishes grippy/ leafy firm and minerally. Bloody good. Drink now–2040 Elderton Ashmead Family Reserve #3 Shiraz 2024 G 96 Made from ancestor vines from Block 19 of the family vineyards at Nuriootpa, the wine spent 14 months maturing in new American oak. A deep maroon colour, it is immediately obvious that there is serious power behind this wine. It is approachable and generous with aromas weaving through mocha, blackberries, coffee beans, chocolate, cassis, dried herbs, aniseed and soy. There is still considerable oak evident here, but it is quality oak and integration is proceeding well. The wine is seamless from start to finish with a plush and seductive texture, through to silky tannins. There is good focus and seriously impressive length. An utterly compelling example of a cracking Barossa Shiraz. 15–20 years without a hiccough lie ahead. Drink now–2045 First Drop Fat of the Land Seppeltsfield Shiraz 2021 G 96 Another cracking wine from this series with similar production and oak treatment (under Diam, 1200 bottles made, twenty months in a mix of 50% new and 50% one-year-old French hogsheads). Opaque maroon with a dark crimson rim, there are lifted aromas here – black cherries, blueberries, cassis, chocolate/ mocha and beautifully integrated oak. The wine offers focus and direction, has excellent balance and wonderful length, finishing with satiny tannins. The intensity is maintained for the full journey. A wine for enjoying over the next couple of decades – this is a gem. Drink now–2045 Gatt Wines High Eden Shiraz 2020 G 96 Medium-deep crimson. Complex blackberry, dark cherry, mocha, roasted chestnut, wax polish aromas. Richly concentrated and smooth in texture with blackberry, dark cherry fruits, fine supple tannins, roasted chestnut notes and fresh juicy acidity. Well-made Cabernet showing the rewards of excellent and meticulous élevage. Drink now–2042
72
The Vintage Journal
Powered by FlippingBook