Curtis Martins Vineyard Shiraz 2021

This absolutely cracking McLaren Vale Shiraz saw maturation in new French oak barrels, sourced from the famous Troncais first in France. This is a star of the range for me. It is assisted in coming from such a superb vintage – a year that absolutely must be well represented in every serious cellar. A bruised plum hue, the wine opens with some toasty, vanillin oak notes, but they are well handled and add to the overall impression of a cracking red. There are aromas of chocolate, coffee beans, mulberries, dried herbs, plums and licorice. A wine exhibiting regional plushness, this is quintessential McLaren Vale Shiraz. Supple and seamless, balanced and with juicy acidity, there is serious length here, with a gentle fade and lingering finish. Ten years. Love it.