Knappstein The Mayor’s Vineyard Shiraz 2021
G 95
The name? It refers to a vineyard planted by a former mayor of Adelaide in 1969. We are talking about a high, cool-climate vineyard at 506 metres! The combined magic of a top vintage, old vines and high-altitude site is all about a fine-featured, floral and red-fruited elegance. It resonates with the drinker from the first sniff of blood plum, wild raspberry, black cherry and a world of finely ground baking spices that lights up the aromatics. While vanillin oak brings another layer of complexity on the palate, it does so seamlessly, effortlessly, allowing the purity of fruit expression to be celebrated, and it’s some gorgeous, peppery spiced fruit. Drink now–2032 Koerner Slate Riesling 2024 G 95 Sourced from vines planted in 1923 and planted in clay soils over slate. Brings a mix of light and shade to the glass. The light is the citrus brightness in lemon, lime and tangerine skin with apple. The shade is the savoury influence of preserved lemon and chalky texture. Together, they bring depth and tensile grip with a lilting citrus tang. Both complex and delicious – win, win! Drink now–2038 Matriarch & Rogue Alice Syrah 2023 G 95 The maker uses the term Syrah for the first time here in tune with the cooler 2023 vintage. It’s a wine of ripe black fruits, warm friendliness with a full burst of aromatics and spiciness really opens up the palate and the wine – hence the Syrah moniker. Cassis, blackberries, black plum, liquorice, dark rose, violet, vanillin woody spices, black pepper, earth. Has considerable presence and the smoothest of a silky tannin flow. Alice shows real gravitas, a serious, nicely integrated young red with a big future ahead. Drink now–2033
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Clare Valley
189
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