Mountadam Patriarch Shiraz 2017
G 94
The fruit used here comes from parcels selected across the estate in the High Eden. The name ‘Patriarch’ is a tribute to Mountadam’s founder, David Wynn. Maturation is in new French oak. Always good to see a wine which has been given some time in the cellar to develop mature characteristics and complexity. The colour here is a deep red/garnet. The nose gives us notes of cherries, leather, spices, aniseed, graphite, chocolate and coffee beans. There is line and length with fine tannins and a long, lingering finish. With appealing persistence, this is impressively crafted and will provide pleasure over the next 15 years. Drink now–2040 Penfolds Bin 21 Grenache 2024 G 94 Medium-deep crimson. Musky plum, slight iodine, cola aromas. Generously flavoured and slurpy with ample musky plum, redcurrant fruits, lovely mid-palate viscosity and well-integrated acidity. Firms up at the finish with quartz-like acidity. An early drinking style but I love the fruit definition, weight, and vinosity. Drink soon–keep for a while. Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2025 G 94 A classic Bin 51. It might be early days but this wine suggests that the Eden Valley has enjoyed another impressive vintage with 2025. The colour is near water transparent, just the palest hint of lemon, with the most alluring aromas of limes and lemon blossom notes, hints of green tea, river stones and florals with a touch of spice. A hint of talc lurks in the background, along with a steely backing. This is energetic, crisp, clean, fresh and slightly nervy. Obviously young, there is medium to good length. The best is yet to come. Pure pristine Riesling, there is fine, bright acidity and immaculate balance. The wine has 15 years ahead of it and the score can be expected to rise during that period. Drink now–2040 Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2023 G 94 A very successful, sub-regional release from the heart of the Barossa, maturation is for 17 months, in a mix of French and American hogsheads, 29% one-year-old and 25% older French, and 20% one-year-old and 26% two-year-old American. Very successful for the vintage. A dark blood-red hue, this is a wine of power and concentration. There is oak evident but deftly handled. Expect integration to proceed until it is barely more than a whisper. The nose is redolent of coffee beans, plums, blackberries, mocha, soy, chocolate, spices, beef stock, cloves, dried herbs, liquorice and a touch of mushrooms. The texture has that gorgeous Barossa creaminess to it. There is balance, focus and excellent length here, with fine satiny tannins. This will easily provide pleasure for the next 15 years. Really good. Drink now–2040
South Australian Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
113
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