Wirra Wirra R.S.W. Shiraz 2022
G 94
Built from a chosen four blocks of fruit, mostly from the estate’s centre district, with a quarter out of the Blewitt Springs. Vibrant purple in the glass, rich spicy, chocolaty oak notes with a dash of coconut invest their presence within the plum compote fruit essences to begin, all of which find a well connected groove in the palate, a well of solid flavour at the core and finely tuned tannins to close the story. Well toned
muscle with flexibility is the call here. Drink 2028–2045 By Geoff Hardy Lot 94 BSR Blewitt Spring Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
G 93
A dry-grown site in Blewitt Springs planted by Geoff Hardy in 1993. This shows off the concentrated and uniform berries and ethereal nature of the sandy site. Inky beetroot, Bing cherries and black plum skin. Some nigella seed and crushed volcanic rock. There is a seaside coastal green element that shines among the crimson fruit, with a silt of fine tannins. This will hold onto its youth very well and only continue to impress with time in the cellar, say another eight to 12 years. If you are inclined to drink now, opt for lamb backstraps with some karkalla or salty green. Drink now–2037 d’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2019 G 93 This is a wine that unearths the deeper folds of quince, black plums and a display of spice that haunts you. Black cardamom, rich bitter chocolate and oolong tea. Its small proportions of Viognier act like a light switch of red fruit, tickling the mid palate with a spray of freshness. Carob, cumin and garam masala, it’s all here. Tannins are quite astute, encouraging you to put this aside for another five years, if you are a lover of savoury spice and supple mocha and coffee tones. Drink now–2030 Dandelion Vineyards Faraway Tree of McLaren Vale Grenache 2024 G 93 From their certified biodynamic vineyard, the Faraway Tree opens with redcurrant on the vine, tea tree and translucent red cherries. Tobacco pouch and hemp leaf. A hit of iron and bloody meats adding savour notes into the mix; it’s slinky in the way it moves across the palate. A glisten of strawberry compote coming through. Some stringy bark and nutmeg oak. A wine that speaks of its surroundings and clay soils. For those who enjoy how bunch and earth move through the red fruit of Grenache, this is for you. Ideal with a nice little steak tartare. Drink now–2030 Geoff Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 G 93 Bringing together fruit from McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, this is a heady mix of blackberries on the stems, bilberry and peppercorns. Sandalwood, clove and sesame spice. There is earthy rhubarb and a pungency that is enticing; plenty to sit with before sipping. A deluge of fruit weight with chewy redcurrants and brown baking spices. It’s clear that a lot went in to getting this right, and it’s a wine that exceeds expectations. Yes, there are some old school fond memories here, but all great Cabernets do that, don’t they? Excellent value, and almost all Cabernet drinkers out there would reach for another glass. Drink now–2037
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The Vintage Journal
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