Langmeil The Freedom 1843 Shiraz 2021
G 96+
Deep crimson. Intense dark cherry, roasted coffee, mocha aromas with liquorice notes, Smooth and velvety textured wine with lovely dark cherry, blackberry, panforte, hint black olive flavours, firm chocolaty, touch ferruginous tannins and well integrated aniseed notes, Lovely mocha, espresso notes at the finish. Opulent and resonating wine with lovely density and muscular drive. Best to drink with a touch more bottle age, although balanced and exuberantly delicious now. Made from vines over 125 years of age. Drink 2026–2042 14.8% alc Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Grenache 2023 G 96 From a vineyard planted in the Moppa sub-region in 1900, this wine has a pleasing crimson-purple hue. We have spices, but the nose is dominated by an alluring mix of strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, coffee grinds, dried herbs, smoked meats and a hint of tomato bush. A wonderful and classic nose for Grenache, the tannins are a mix of silky and silty, but certainly quite abundant. There is great length, and the structure is both balanced and seamless. This has at least a decade ahead. A cracker. Drink now–2034 Bethany GR Reserve Shiraz 2021 G 96 This is the estate’s flagship, from their best parcels of old vine Bethany Shiraz. Around one-third of the wine sees new oak, a mix of French and American. Maroon/ purple in colour, this is a stunning Barossa Shiraz, all plushness and generosity. There is some early complexity already evident, and we have aromas of dark chocolate, blackberries, kitchen spices, mocha, soy, aniseed, cold tea and mulberries. Good energy throughout, the wine has bright acidity, great length, sleek and velvety tannins. It will provide delicious drinking for at least the next 12 to 15 years. Drink now–2039 Charles Melton Sparkling Red Disgorged Sparkling Red NV G 96 One of Australia’s greatest and most popular sparkling reds, this is made in the traditional manner, with the base wine aged for around two years in oak, and then tirage bottled to spend another five years on lees before dosage. With Aussie sparkling reds, this is usually much higher than most realise, providing elevated levels of sweetness, but the acidity helps ensure balance. The final package can often age for well over a decade. Under crown seal. The colour here is a deep garnet, while the wine is rich, complex, concentrated and gorgeously exuberant. Absolutely love it. Notes of cassis, cloves, dark chocolate, aniseed, mulberries, cranberries and coffee beans. A mouth-filling style yet the balance is impressive. The sweetness here seems more in the perception than the glass and they have managed to keep it well in check. This is a great sparkling red and will drink beautifully for at least the next 10 to 15 years. Drink now–2039
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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