Dandelion Vineyards Firehawk of McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022

The fruit here hails from a single vineyard which overlooks Willunga in McLaren Vale, which the team believe provides their best Shiraz. The Firehawk is a native bird of prey which has proved invaluable to the local winemakers as they eat rabbits and help scare away birds which like the grapes. Two weeks fermentation before basket pressing into French barriques for a year and a half maturing, with one-third of the barriques new. Dark maroon colour, the nose has some earthy notes, cloves, dark berries, leather, tar, tobacco leaves, coffee grinds and chocolate. A savoury style, it offers generosity with a soft and slightly creamy texture. The palate sees the emergence of cassis, espresso notes and more black fruits. Soft tannins with a very long finish, this is impressive stuff. Expect it to provide pleasure for at least the next twelve to fifteen years.