2009 Mitchell McNicol Shiraz
G 97
Medium-deep crimson. Complex, voluminous and smooth with developed blackberry, mocha, roasted chestnut, polished cedar, hint bush garrigue aromas and flavours, velvety/chocolaty textures and fresh long mineral acidity. Finishes firm with a lovely tannin plume. Superb complexity, density and balance. A lovely-aged Clare Shiraz showing the inherent provenance of Mitchell vineyards. Drink now–2028+ 2021 Seppeltsfield Great Terraced Vineyard Grenache G 97 Medium-deep crimson. Fresh musky plum, strawberry, raspberry, chinotto aromas with herb garden, star anise notes. Beautifully balanced wine with gentle musky plum, strawberry, red cherry, raspberry fruits, a touch of roasted hazelnut/mocha, fine slinky/supple textures, superb mid-palate viscosity, and well integrated fresh long mineral acidity. Finishes graphite/chalky firm with strawberry/raspberry pastille/cola notes. Barossa Grand Cru. Matured in seasoned French oak for nine months. Drink now–2032 2018 St Hallett Old Block Shiraz G 97 Deep crimson. Glossy and polished with beautiful blackberry, dark cherry inky, graphite aromas with mocha/dark chocolate notes. Well balanced wine with lovely pure blackberry pastille, dark cherry fruits, fine slinky tannins, very good mid-palate richness and attractive roasted chestnut complexity. Finishes cedar/claret firm and juicy. A very expressive but not overly powerful Barossa Shiraz with the definition and torque for long-term ageing. All the elements in balance, but keep for a while to allow the fruit, acidity, tannin and oak to fold. Drink 2025–2040 2018 Tapanappa Cabernet Shiraz G 97 This a spectacular Aussie claret style: poised, focused and built for the long haul with its powerful blackberry, chocolate, blackcurrant, gravel aromas that are muscular and dense. Fantastic volume of fruit follows but all kept in check by layers of firm tannin and a gentle burst of acidity. A cloak of high quality oak sits well in what is a robust style which finishes tight and long. One of the best vintages of this hallowed label which offers almost unbelievable value. If you are going to buy one wine for the
cellar this year, make it this one. Drink 2028–2040 2020 Hickinbotham Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon
G 97
Deep crimson. Classic blackcurrant, dark chocolate with roasted almond, roasted chestnut notes. Inky deep wine with beautiful blackcurrant pastille, roasted chestnut flavours, fine grainy textures and underlying cedar notes. Finishes chalky firm with seductive sweet fruit notes. A highly individual style with superb definition, fruit complexity, concentration and oak handling. Drink now–2034
Festive Wine 223
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