Irvine Wines Old Vine Shiraz 2021
G 95
We are venturing into heavy bottle territory here – for all 2580 of the bottles of this wine produced. A black/ maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of delicatessen meats, chocolate, mocha, coffee beans, plums and root vegetables. There is good oak integration, serious intensity, dusty yet fine tannins and great length. This immaculately balanced gem is delicious drinking now and has a wonderful future. Under cork. Drink now–2045 Jenke 1926 Vineyard Shiraz 2012 G 95 Not often one comes across a new release red with this amount of time under its belt, especially at a price like this. 1926 is the year that the Jenke family purchased the estate. A mature red with good complexity, the colour is a dark maroon. Time has allowed the oak to merge impeccably and the nose gives us notes of tobacco leaves, dried herbs, plums and smoked meats. As we move to the palate we see more soy, beef stock and Vegemite characters. There is fine balance and very good length, finishing with soft, furry tannins. Still 5–8 years of pleasure ahead of it; it has matured superbly and should continue to do so. Drink now–2033 Kaesler Wines Alte Reben Shiraz 2023 G 95 The colour here is a vibrant magenta/crimson. On the nose, there are notes of strawberries, cherries, raspberries and spices. Yes, very much at the red fruit end of the spectrum. This is fresh and with good energy. Beautiful oak integration here, and there is just a touch of vanilla evident. Everything is ideally and impressively balanced. This is very long, maintaining the intensity and balance for the full journey, finishing with silky tannins. Unquestionably, a long and exciting future beckons and one can expect even further improvement. So much to like. Drink now–2040 Krondorf 121 Settlers Shiraz 2021 G 95 The reincarnation of a winery on which many of today’s wine lovers cut their teeth, this is their prestige release – naturally Barossa Shiraz – even better, this is from an exceptional vintage. The vineyard which provided the fruit is in the south of the Barossa, the St Jakobi region near Lyndoch. Maturation is in a mix of new and used French oak for between 16 and 18 months. Inky dark maroon, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, dry herbs, mocha, blackberries, coffee beans, cassis, beef stock, cloves and bay leaves. There is serious intensity throughout to be found here, leading to solid grip, but they are fine, satiny tannins. A fine line of acidity, a persistent finish and excellent balance through complete a cracking example of Barossa Shiraz, which will provide pleasure for at least the next 12–15 years. Drink now–2040
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The Vintage Journal
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