Knappstein The Mayor’s Vineyard Shiraz 2021

Clare Valley Shiraz might not have the same rep as other South Australian regions more renowned with the variety, but it definitely has a style motif that at its best is clear-headed and modern in its expression. Here we see a bright crimson fruit spectrum and a crushed minerally character in its bouquet and palate texturals, an energised sense of acidity through its undercarriage. This could be a regional identity maker revealed, or perhaps more specifically a vineyard trait from its source on the eastern ridge of the main Clare Valley. Or both? As such it’s a fine example of a crunchy, cooler climate Shiraz that is currently much in favour.