June has been the busiest month so far this year for whisky auctions. Yamazaki may lead Macallan in sales. Plus, see what Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archive 16 Gold Foil sold for.
by Melanie Schwenk · source ↗
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This is Barossa Shiraz at its most seductive. Dark, plush, and composed, it doesn't bludgeon, it envelops. It opens with a generous swell of mulberry compote and ripe blueberries. The dark, glossy fruit brings indulgence and finesse in equal doses. A luxurious undercurrent of dark chocolate coats the palate with decadence, while a flash of clove brings lift and intrigue. Delicately handled spice walks beside the fruit elevating the harmony and joy. Fine sheets of tannin glide through the palate adding further delight and shape to the structure, with the thumbprint of dark fruit planting itself on a long and persistent finish. A compelling expression of Barossa Shiraz from a producer you ought to get to know, this will reward for a decade+. 96/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $90 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
This is the kind of Shiraz that quietly wins you over rather than demanding your attention. From vines planted in 1992, the fruit has a lovely polish and sheen, wrapped in a silky, delicate frame. Perfumed aromas of violet and red roses lift from the glass before char and mocha add a savoury edge. Juicy raspberries, raspberry rope, cherries and dense plums fill out the palate, with subtle earthy nuances providing extra depth. Firm, dusty tannins give shape without overwhelming the fruit, while a long trail of black pepper and woodsy spice stretches out across a persistent finish. Elegant yet flavoursome, this is a beautifully composed Shiraz that balances perfume, fruit and savoury detail with ease. The more you sip, the more it draws you in. 93/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
Across The Creek Vineyard may not sound like the result of an exhausting naming workshop, but this Shiraz comes from Bethany’s highest vineyard, perched at 300 metres and planted in 1998, and it delivers a refined and rather stylish expression. Sleek and silky, it's a Shiraz that favours finesse over power. Dark plums and black fruits lead the charge, with well-integrated oak layering in dark chocolate and savoury woodsy nuances. A fine rub of spice and polished tannins keeps everything in check, while the tightly wound mid-palate hints that there's more to come with a little patience. Dusty tannins stain the palate and cling to a persistent finish, building a moreishness that has you reaching back for another sip. Better still, put this alongside a roast beef dinner and you'll quickly appreciate just how comfortably it settles into its stride. 92/100 Region: Barossa RRP: $50 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instag
