Zonte’s Footsteps Z-Force Shiraz 2021
G 95
An impressive line-up of the Z-Force vintages can still be sampled, a luxury not many estates can afford to do. You only need to pop your nose in the glass to appreciate the trajectory this wine is on and the forethought behind its creation and cellar-ability. Inky blue plums, pomegranate molasses and boysenberry swirls through vanilla ice cream. Carob and tonka bean with hints of black sesame and poppy seed. Rosemary stem and the twinge of woody herbs adds another layer of flavour, and tannins, although fine, stand high and mighty. It will age well and I encourage you to buy some back vintages to demonstrate its evolution before your very eyes. Drink now–2038 Angove Warboys Shiraz 2021 G 94 Fruit is sourced from the single vineyard with an average vine age of 30-plus years. Its deep magenta hues point to blackberries and cassis, dotted with plums and a briar of thistle and shrub. Its 16-month maturation in oak has turned grainy tannins soft and melting, with a mocha-like decadence. There is still the olive grove and clove spice finish, with a sliver of lavender-like flowers. A sultry number that would also benefit from mid-term ageing. Drink now–2032
d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre 2020
G 94
A meaty wine with some restorative Australian bushland aromas. Rosella, rhubarb and red plum. Cinnamon myrtle, wild thyme and bottlebrush. Its medium weight sits comfortably with acidity brightening the palate and red cherry and rooibos tea unfolding. The dryness of tannins persists, being a real feature of the wine. It’s rustic and charming, slightly disarming in places. A hearty lamb shank would be an ideal pairing. It does not lack for flavour or interest. Those who are loyal to the iconic wine will remain so for this 2020 vintage. Drink now–2032 d’Arenberg The Wild Pixie Shiraz, Roussanne 2021 G 94 Hibiscus, boysenberry swirl and persimmon. Fragrant grevillea and honeycomb. A sweetness of oak spice lies in wait with the tartness of raspberries coming through on the palate. Tannins are gritty and loaded; this looks quite fresh and zesty. It’s almost Italian in its structural origins. I imagine this is built for the long haul, with its sappiness a feature for long-term ageing. Get ready for a wine you won’t forget easily. I’d love to see it again in a decade or so. Right now it needs some time, but
full of potential. Drink now–2035 Nick Haselgrove The Old Faithful Grenache 2023
G 94
Black raspberries, Bing cherries and some Christmas plums. There is a dollop of cooking chocolate and carob, clove and anise spice. Acidity swarms in, covering the palate from front to back; this lifts the nestled red fruit into the spotlight and shows its chewy tannins frame right off. Some plucked sage leaf and thistle. Brown rye seed and barley richness as well. This will age well with its alluring aromas and detail structure evolving slowly with time. Drink now–2032
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The Vintage Journal
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