Lone Palm Crossings Shiraz 2020

Lone Palm celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year, quite an achievement in what can be a notoriously fickle industry. Always helps if you have quality vineyards, fruit and talented winemakers. They are located at the southern end of Marananga on the western ridge of the Barossa Valley. There is a solitary old palm tree next to the ancient cottage – the same palms as found at Seppeltsfield, hence the name.

The hand-picked fruit comes from the front roadside block of the vineyard, before it is basket-pressed into a mix of mostly older French and American oak for 14 months. An inky dark maroon in colour, it offers an attractive and very pleasing nose with black fruits, warm earth, cigar box notes and florals. A seamless palate where the flavours move long the spectrum to more mocha, licorice, chocolate and coffee bean. The finish lingers beautifully. With good acidity and very good length, this has 7 to 8 years ahead of it. Lots to like here.