Mitchell Wines Peppertree Vineyard Shiraz 2017

A long time favourite of many red lovers, this Peppertree Vineyard Shiraz is another very fine release from the line-up, the first of which was way back with the 1984 vintage. There is a little whole bunch used in the preparation of this wine, which is presumably what contributes to the ever-so-slight brambly note it offers. Fermentation is with wild yeasts, after which the wine spends 18 months in French oak barrels before bottling. 

The colour of the wine is a deep red with flickers of purple throughout. It is immediately evident that there is some complexity here. Aromas of red fruits, chocolate, spices, cloves and florals. The palate is tight, yet supple, and offers good balance throughout its very long length, finishing with slightly gritty tannins. Certainly up for drinking now but it will sail through another decade in the cellar, if you can resist.