Karrawatta Ace of Trumps Shiraz 2019
G 95
First impressions of this wine are… drum roll… woooo, it’s fresh. A very nice first impression when anyone is taking the time to do a late release bottling. Matured in new and seasoned French oak barriques for 16 months. The beauty of teenage Shiraz may be lost on some palates these days but not here. This is a spot where brambly ripe fruit meets its coffee shop spice aromas. Rhubarb, plum skin and pomegranate molasses, star anise, espresso and nutmeg. It’s creamy in its palate weight with chai milk. Then layered with brown butter, ground ginger and cinnamon on the final note. A wonderful medium-bodied drink with ardent richness and tonnes of drinkability. Drink now–2032 Mr Riggs J.F.R. Shiraz 2022 G 95 A summer berry pudding, this brings together the glistening red, deep crimson and purple hues of forage berries. Some thorny stems, ground coffee and mocha-like indulgence. In honour of John Frederick Riggs, this is made with love and pursuit of crafting something that will stand the test of time. A middle palate pop of sweet pomegranates keeps things vivid and cheerful, and tannins are extremely fine. You can see the fruit has been carefully chosen and that only the best barrels make the cut. Once again, it’s still great value at the asking price. Go for a sirloin and well made red wine jus for this one. Drink now–2035 Nick Haselgrove The Old Faithful Shiraz 2022 G 95 A marriage of fluorescent red berries, redcurrants, raspberries and black cherries. Some soft bay leaf and tobacco pouch. Acidity is measured for flow and even grace across the palate, granular tannins but carry the intensity right to the finish. There are undercurrents of granitic earth and brown soil, some olive fleck savouriness too. French oak rounds out the finish. This will age beautiful over another 5–8 years. Drink now–2033 Oliver’s Taranga Anfore Fiano 2024 G 95 The 2024 Anfore opens with musk melon, honeydew ad lemon verbena. Some white cheese rind, pumice stone and silver needle tea. A whey-like creaminess with arches of raw almond, pear flesh and potato chip saltiness. It clearly has carried the soil and under-earth make-up along for the ride. This has numerous possibilities for sitting alongside fresh cheese, pickled vegetables, shellfish and pork. Acidity drives the wine but equally its middle palate texture is a tangible dream. Drink now–2035 Oliver’s Taranga Ihana Edition #3 Shiraz 2024 G 95 An alluring nose of cherry juice, pomegranate and dark prunes. There is also some blue fruit, dusty Mirabelle plums and wafts of dark chocolate. Acidity tingles at the sides of the palate and works towards the centre, allowing for its intensity of fruit to fully seep. A touch of bay leaf and buried clove spice just lifts at the finish. This is artfully put together with the fruit speaking the loudest; beautiful drinking now but has the ability to evolve in the cellar for another 5–8 years. Drink now–2032
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The Vintage Journal
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