Subsea Estate 2nd Immersion Shiraz 2024
G 94
The fruit for the wine from Margaret River, the ageing of the wine by the nearby ocean. 1,500 bottles, they spent time under water while maturing. A friend recently bet me that I would never be able to include certain lyrics in a wine review – apparently from a children’s film about mermaids, although I will have to take her word on that. The lyrics (so I am told) were “Everything is better, down where it is wetter, under the sea”. Thank you, Disney, one suspects! Then along comes this wine and what could be more perfect? A dark crimson/purple hue; the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, spices, coffee beans, roast meats, cassis and plums in the most alluring manner. The wine is balanced and focused, well structured with a line of fine acidity. Really impressive. Perhaps maturation down under, where it is indeed wetter, really is worth exploring. Enjoy this over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink now–2035 Thompson Estate The Specialist Chardonnay 2023 G 94 There’s a sense of restraint in the fruit here ... compared to some of its regional counterparts, and I like that. White stone fruit, lemongrass, and rain on warm pavement. The palate is effortless and layered: buttered toast, crunchy peaches, and lemon-ginger tea. A wine that could be easily missed – unflashy, quietly settled in itself – but it gets better with every glass. Drink now–2032 Churchview Limited Release Cabernet, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot 2024 G 93 Cracking value to be had with this Bordeaux blend. Time in French oak has rounded out any sharp edges. Dark maroon with a purple/crimson rim, we first encounter a range of black fruits well supported by hints of vanilla and oak. The nose also gives us aromas of cigar boxes, smoked meats, black cherries and a hint of campfire. A wine of power, balance, decent length and fine, firm tannins, it would not hurt to leave it for two to three years in the cellar and then drink it over the following decade. Drink now–2033 Churchview Estate The Bartondale Shiraz 2024 G 93 Maturation for this fine Margaret River Shiraz was for fourteen months in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads. Maroon, with a bright garnet rim, the nose reveals a slightly burly, savoury style – in other words, a style which will appeal greatly to some, perhaps less so to others. Worth finding out where you sit. There are earthy notes, along with hints of leather, smoked meats, cloves, black cherries, coffee grinds, soy and campfire notes. Excellent length here and a line of bright acidity through to fine tannins. This should age very well for the next decade. Drink now–2031
Margaret River 2026
39
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