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97
/ 100
James Halliday
Red
Classification
Shiraz Blend
Variety
2016
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
Victoria, Yarra Valley
Region
13.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
97 / 100"Includes 5% co-fermented viognier, 90% whole berries, 10% whole bunches, wild-fermented, 14 days on skins, matured for 12 months in French oak (20% new). Brightly coloured and extremely expressive on the bouquet, and no less so on the palate; red berries and spices are inextricably bonded by fine, supple tannins. Has exemplary line, length and balance, and has made light of the challenges of the vintage. As ever, will sell in a trice at this price."
- James Halliday
Tasting Notes
There are two clones in the block, Best’s Old Block sourced from the original 1868 plantings at Best’s Great Western and clone 1654, a Barossa selection. The Viognier is from cuttings at Yarra Yering, that l cut personally in 2000, which Dr Carrodus told me he had personally taken them from Chateau Grillet in Condrieu in the 60’s. Highly illegal at the time…..
The nose is deep and dense and loaded with black fruits, tar, spice and a lick of ginger and spice from the Viognier. There is so much going on here violets and perfume and a heady mix of Asian spice and a touch of roasted meats. Let it sit and evolve and it changes constantly.
The palate is layered and woven with silky tannins that are deep and long through the finish. Black and red fruits, spice, perfume and fragrant, it is rich and fine, long persistent and poised. The 2016 has noticeable depth to the structure and there is abundant tannins and extract that will ensure this wine lives a very long time. It’s more concentrated than normal, a reflection of the warmer than average year.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity