Alkina Stonefire Shiraz 2024

A tribute to the vineyard’s schist bedrock, with 14% Mataro in the blend with the Shiraz from schist-rich blocks. Handpicked, sorted, and wild-fermented in concrete tulips with some whole bunches (Shiraz only). Fragrant yet restrained: blueberry, boysenberry and lavender over mulch and clove-studded orange, unfurling to dried violet, five spice, graphite and black tea. A fine seam of schist minerality runs through. The palate glides high with dark cherry, plum and blueberry at the core, floral and graphite notes at the edges, and a cooling mineral lift. Firm, febrile, grainy tannins draw it long. Nervy now, but with clear class and mineral finesse to emerge with time.