First Drop Dos Por Ciento Shiraz Moscatel 2021
G 93
This may seem a very strange combination of grapes, but think Côte-Rôtie (Moscatel instead of Viognier) or even the Barossa itself 50 or 60 years ago, when apparently the addition of a dollop of white wine to their reds was commonplace. On the basis of this evidence, it is a practice worth revisiting. The fruit comes from a range of vineyards throughout the Barossa and Eden Valleys. The wine spent almost two years maturing in a mix of new and older French hogsheads and American barriques. The colour is a deep, dark and almost mysterious maroon. It is often considered that the addition of a tiny amount of white can lift the aromatics and we see that here. An utterly enticing aromatic profile with florals, chocolate, black fruits, liquorice and beef stock. Neatly balanced, well structured and with a lingering finish, this is a supple style with velvety tannins. It will continue to provide pleasure for the next eight to 10 years. Drink now–2034 Eden Hall Block 4 Shiraz 2021 G 93 Deep crimson. Black olive, dark berry, hint bush garrigue aromas with some dark chocolate notes. Glossy and seductive with sweet dark berry/dark chocolate/ vanilla flavours, dense ripe tannins, attractive mid-palate volume and fresh pure acidity. Finishes minerally and long with liquorice notes. Single vineyard wine. 14.5% alc Drink now–2030 First Drop Wines The Matador Grenache 2022 G 93 Deep crimson. Fresh strawberry minty aromas with herb notes. Supple and sweet- fruited with strawberry, red cherry fruits, a touch of mint, attractive mid-palate viscosity and fine loose-knit chalky textures. A touch of aniseed at the finish. Drinking well. 14.5% alc Drink 2024–2028 First Drop Wines Mother’s Milk Shiraz 2022 G 93 Deep crimson. Intense black cherry, boysenberry hint walnut liquorice aromas. Juicy and richly flavoured with lovely fresh blackberry, black cherry, boysenberry fruits, sinuous chalky tannins and a long thread of aniseed. Delicious early drinking wine. 14.5% alc Drink now–soon-ish Genista The SG Shiraz Grenache 2022 G 93 Each year, this is the wine that seems to poke its nose ahead of the pack and this vintage is no different. One would be forgiven for assuming that naming a Barossan Shiraz Grenache ‘SG’, would be to reflect the varieties in the blend, but it is not so. It is named in honour of Sarah Gregory, one half of Genista. A dark purple hue, the wine has generous and comforting notes of chocolate and warm earth, with dried herbs, mulberries, aniseed and soy supported by a supple texture with very fine tannins. The wine exhibits both balance and intensity with impressive length. Enjoy over the next four to six years. Drink now–2030
South Australia 2024
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