Lone Palm Vineyard Selection Shiraz 2023
G 96
This is the icon of the range from this team – I had not realised that when tasting, but there is no doubt it stood out as very special. That was immediately evident. The fruit comes from Marananga, Stonewell, Greenock and Seppeltsfield – Barossa names don’t come much bigger! A portion of whole bunches are included and the wine spends 20 months in a mix of French and American hogsheads. The final wine is a barrel selection. A dark maroon hue here, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, blackcurrants, bay leaves, smoked meats, plums, cloves, mocha and mulberries. There is still plenty of evidence of toasty oak, with integration well underway. A wine which treads the tightrope between power and refinement and does it majestically. After time in the glass, we also see the emergence of rose petals and cassis. This is really good stuff. There are signs of early complexity, which one can reasonably expect to grow over time. Seamless, supple and seductive, there are silky tannins and serious length. Superb. It is the extra refinement which sets it apart. 10–15 years of pleasure ahead of it. Drink now–2040 Millon Wines Masterpiece Shiraz 2021 G 96 From a vineyard in the Pewsey Vale sub-region, this wine spent a year and a half in French oak, 10% of it new. Under cork, it is from a vintage which is fast becoming legendary for the region. Lovers of good wines from the Barossa and surrounds who have not overstocked their cellars with this vintage need to act fast or repent at leisure. The colour is basically black/maroon. This is seriously dense with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, mocha, leather, soy, cloves, liquorice and blackcurrants. The palate sees the emergence of aniseed and graphite. This is powerful, concentrated and exhibiting good extraction. Bright acidity, wonderful length and so much chocolate. Drink now–2045 Orlando Steingarten Riesling 2023 G 96 Sure, this may sit at a price somewhat in excess of what most wine lovers consider for their Riesling, but it more than deserves it. I’d go further. This is compelling evidence that top-notch Aussie Riesling is ridiculous value; one of the world’s great wine bargains. Don’t complain when that changes and you don’t have a cellar full of the stuff. You have been warned. The colour here is a shimmering pale lemon. Gorgeous Riesling aromatics flood from the glass. There are notes of limes, lemons, florals, river stones, hints of lavender and chalk, with a minerally support in the background. So alluring; there is energy and focus here. Fine saline acidity runs the full length, which is seriously impressive. There is immaculate balance and rapier- like direction. Drink now–2045.
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
77
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