$30/bottle under the original label
Lot 355 comes to us from a fifth generation winegrower and premier viticultural consultant who's family pioneered the Australian wine business in the 1850's. This guy has planted more ultra-premium vineyards and knows South Australia better than just about anyone. The winery was named Winestate's (Aussie version of Wine Spectator) Winery of the Year several times and is James Halliday 5-star rated.
The only reason we got our hands on this wine is the ongoing trade war between Australia and its leading wine export partner, China. Combined with the strong dollar, this situation makes for some rather insane values.
After three-years of drought and a tough 2019 harvest, the 2020 vintage in McLaren Vale was small, but the quality was fantastic...then 2021 happened; a so-called "Unicorn vintage" - we've already spoken a bit about the exceptional 21s in these pages.
Lot 355 | 2021 McLaren Vale Shiraz is divine on the nose, maintaining the regional archetype, and absolutely stunning on the palate, and while still in its youth, you'll see the best is yet to come. Retailing in Australia for $30/bottle, it's a steal at $13/bottle, in-stock and ready to ship!
Folks, its back up the truck time!
While this particular wine is not exported to the USA, it is comparable in price point and quality to Mollydooker The Boxer or Two Hands Lily's Garden; however, this wine is 100% estate and not overly sweet:
Deep, tooth-staining purple on the pour, the bouquet is vibrant with delineated blueberry and plum accentuated by dried orange peel, cocoa, and pipe tobacco with underlying sassafras and fresh-picked bay leaf. The entry is silky, yet still youthful, playing up the the fruits in the forefront, quickly wrapping them in dark chocolate and tobacco leaf before a meaty, peppery spice takes over showing fine, mineral-laden tannins framed by medium acidity. Mouthwatering into the dry finish, almost glycerine-like, cocoa bean and black pepper umami rises up from the depths through a medium-length exit. Still a baby, a healthy decant is recommended today, but, lay some down to see the real potential with this bottle through 2031.
100% Shiraz, 100% McLaren Vale producer estate vineyards
Aged 20-months in 20% new French oak hogsheads
15% alc.
