From a warmer than average year and the Tiers Vineyard. Barrel ferment occurred in 30% new French oak. No malolactic fermentation. Brian Croser worked his magic.
It’s at once a bold wine and a subtle wine, which sounds incongruous, but there’s full-on scents of sandalwood from oak influence, set amongst ripe stone fruit and really pretty lemon blossom/floral character. The calculated brute with the purity of fruit. Across the palate a wine that shines with the curves of oak fermentation and maturation, but reveals pin point detail in light citrussy acidity, a touch of brine-like minerality and a fleeting lick of smooth, vanilla, wood influence. It’s compact yet powerful, full across the mouth but refreshing. A dazzling wine in some respects. A wine that needs time too. Brilliant, really.
Rated: 94 Points
Drink: 2014 – 2024
