Gibson Burkes Hill Shiraz 2021
G 94
Apparently, the vineyard has a Lutheran cross sitting watch over the vines. Whether that improves the wine or not, who knows, but I guess it can’t hurt. This is from an east-facing slope at 430 metres above sea level, planted back in 1965. Maturation was in a mix of new and older French oak hogsheads. It is their first single vineyard Barossa Shiraz. An opaque purple/maroon, the nose oozes dark chocolate, dark plums, blackberries, spices, coffee grinds, notes of leather and cloves. A well-crafted and finely balanced wine with serious length, it is attractively seductive, supple and with sleek tannins. The palate sees the emergence of a core of chocolate and cassis notes with florals. The finish just keeps lingering and lingering. A wine which will offer pleasure for eight to 12 years at least. A wine of detail. A cracker. Drink now–2036 Gibson Australian Old Vine Collection Shiraz 2018 G 94 Most of the fruit here was sourced from the team’s Burkes Hill Vineyard at Eden Valley, with vines planted over 60 years ago. Vinification was in small open fermenters followed by maturation in a mix of new and older French oak puncheons and hogsheads. Under cork. The colour here is an opaque maroon. Chocolate dominates the nose at this stage with black cherries, vanilla, graphite, leather and cigar box notes. There is good complexity and the on-going oak integration is proceeding well. Sleek tannins, good concentration, excellent length and a promising future for the next 10 to 15 years are all on offer. Drink now–2039 Golden Amrita Sunshine Hill Shiraz 2021 G 94 Medium-deep crimson. Chinotto, cola, dark cherry pastille aromas with hints of black olive. Chocolaty-textured wine with cherry pastille, blackberry, cola flavours, loose-knit fine gravelly tannins, a hint of vanilla/marzipan and well-balanced acidity. Exemplary winemaking with all the elements in balance. Drink now–2028
Greenock Estate Greenock Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 94
From a single vineyard in the Barossa, the vines are in excess of 70 years of age. The wine spent 22 months maturing in French oak and is bottled under cork. The colour here is a deep magenta. There is quite a meaty nose with black fruits, plums, aniseed, bergamot, black cherries and smoked meats. The wine is rich and chocolatey on the palate and we see the emergence of tobacco leaves among the flavours. Very good length here with sleek tannins, this is a rich and full flavoured style from the Barossa. Enjoy it over the next 10 to 12 years. Drink now–2036 Hare’s Chase Lepus Shiraz 2021 G 94 Deep crimson. Subtle bouquet, black plum, freshly cut cedar, sandalwood. Plush, ripe mulberry and blackberry fruit, supple tannins balanced by good freshness. Made in a pared-back style, yet still offering excellent concentration. Finishes long, with sandalwood accents. 14.5% alc Drink now–2034
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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