Parker Estate Terra Rossa Shiraz 2022

At first look, some generous winemaking stats might tell one story, but the taste tells another. This Coonawarra Shiraz boasts 14.5% alcohol and 12 months maturation in French oak – 40% new – which could indicate one biggie of a wine, but, whoa, the result is one well-balanced, lively-fruited young red! The fruit is more than up to the task with its richness of black cherry, plum and ripe blackberry against a background bright in spice, vanilla and gentle woodsy notes. Joyous, fresh and vital with immediate drinking appeal such is the buoyancy of that lovely fruit. And, yes, the oak and alcohol move quietly in the background. So much for paying attention to the winemaking stats.