Clandestine Vineyards McLaren Vale Shiraz 2019

Oh my, this is a beautiful shiraz that captures so much about the Blewitt Springs subregion of McLaren Vale. Not your usual McLaren Vale fruit bomb, but a wine with grainy texture and finesse. I love the power and the intensity but it’s the way it delivers with a degree of understatement. The winemaking has been a significant contributor with the decision to go with handpicking, basket pressing and then some pinot like whole bunch addition. And finally, the oak is old, so it doesn’t intrude on the excellent fruit although a smidgeon of new oak has been used to spice things up. It finishes with a slightly savoury liquorice and cherry character.