Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz 2023
G 96
Deep crimson. Perfumed violet, praline, blackcurrant/ blackberry aromas with inky/ chinotto notes. Voluminous and sinuous with beautiful pure cassis, chinotto flavours, plentiful fine chalky al dente tannins and well-balanced roasted chestnut/ marzipan/ vanilla notes. Builds up brambly firm at the finish. Lovely density, vinosity, and flow. Drink now–2045 Pewsey Vale The Contours Museum Reserve Riesling 2015 G 96 Another glorious Museum release, revealing just how truly outstanding Eden Valley Riesling can be. Sure, it already has 10 years under its belt, but it has many more years of pleasure ahead of it and will continue to grow in complexity, richness and maturity. Yellow gold in colour, we have notes of lemon curd, pineapple, apricot skins, essence of limes and that gorgeous lemon butter on toast character. There is a lovely creamy texture, a line of fine acidity and exceptional balance with a lingering finish. Don’t hesitate to give it another 15 years in the cellar, if you want. These really should be on everybody’s bucket list. Drink now–2040 Poonawatta The 1880 Shiraz 2021 G 96 A stellar Barossa Shiraz from a great vintage, this gives lovers of the style absolutely everything they could wish for. A very dark maroon hue, the nose has notes of blackberries, liquorice, blueberries, black cherries, plums and cassis. The oak is deftly handled and there is a seductive texture with the most silky tannins. Well balanced throughout, this has exceptional length. A wine which will benefit from time in the cellar, even though it is approachable and generous at this early stage. Love it. Drink now–2045 Purple Hands Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Shiraz 2023 Deep crimson. Blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, dark chocolate aromas with brambly/ leafy notes. Supple and sweet fruited with blackberry/cassis. Dark plum, chocolate fruits, fine-grained/ sinuous tannins, and well-integrated mocha oak/ Lovely wine. Drink now–2036 Saltram Journal Shiraz Shiraz 2023 G 96 Similar conditions as for the Salter, naturally, maturation here was for a year and a half in a mix of older and new French oak barrels. The vineyard providing the fruit is classified as home to Ancestor Vines, having been planted in 1895. A vibrant, inky dark maroon hue, this is powerful, concentrated, balanced, and supple. So impressive. The nose gives us notes of chocolate, mulberries, tobacco leaves, cassis, leather, warm earth, and aniseed. There is quality oak well integrated and the structure is seamless. Dense but dancing, this is generous and so well balanced, finishing with silky tannins. Serious length here. This follows on from the 2010, 2016, and 2017. Love it. Drink now–2039
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The Vintage Journal
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