The Reviews
Bremerton Old Adam Shiraz 2022
G 97
An inky purple-red colour presages a wine of considerable stature. The nose is a concentrated burst of luxurious fruit: blue plum, mulberry, boysenberry, and cherries dipped in liqueur and wrapped in chocolate. Yet there’s also an exotic side that’s hard to miss, that from oak, yes, of Tahitian vanilla, star anise, spearmint. This is certainly a wine with thick skin, almost syrupy in texture, with glue-like tannins that cling tightly without letting go. It could have gone sideways, overwhelmed by a generous whiff of alcohol. Instead, it finishes gracefully, carried by just enough vibrancy and juiciness to promise a long future. Drink now–2038 Lake Breeze Arthur’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot 2022 G 97 A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot, named after the man who planted the very first vines on the property at the end of 1880s. Thanks, Arthur Follett. This is Cabernet at another level, such is the intensity of its aromas: an elegant hint of savouriness and a mineral embrace of gravel frame of tightly packed blackberries and blackcurrants surrounded by layers of mint, dark chocolate, cigar box, clove, cassia bark, tomato bush leaf, and dried violet. The palate is defined by succulence and pedigree, with imposing gravelly tannins that drive length, persistency, and intensity of flavour, all working in favour of a truly great wine. Drink now–2040 The Pawn Wine Co Malbec 2023 G 96 Two years old, and the colour is still fresh as a daisy. As for the nose, luxurious, well- polished blackberries, black plums, and black cherries, with violets and spearmint leaping out of the glass. Then come all the lovely oak-spice notes: dark chocolate, cedar, vanilla pods, and a savoury edge of roasted olives. The mid-palate presence is incredible, with slowly building granular tannins that expand sideways, making space for a stream of acidity that carries the flavours through to a fine, extended finish. No alcohol burn in sight. Just pure enjoyment and drinkability. Drink now– 2032 Kimbolton The Rifleman Shiraz 2021 G 95 An intense, deeply ruby red with a vibrant blue hue, showing the energy and youthfulness of the wine. The nose is lifted, opening with polished mulberries, blood plums, black cherries, and pomegranate, then shifting towards a savoury layer of olive tapenade, dried herbs, and salted chocolate. On the palate, it feels both coiled and fruit-laden, an initial burst of flavour that gradually narrows into a focused line, guiding the wine to a well-composed finish. Fine-grained tannins support the length and structure. Drink now–2035
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The Vintage Journal
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