Pertaringa Over the Top Shiraz 2021

An absolutely cracking McLaren Vale Shiraz from a fine vintage. The wine saw 20 months maturation in French oak, 30% of which was new. ‘Over the Top’ refers to the team’s stated aim of ‘making the finest wine they possibly can’. The colour here is an inky opaque purple. The nose is dense but balanced and even a little bit refined (possible, even for McLaren Vale). The overall impression though is of the gorgeous plushness the wine offers. We have plummy notes, spices, coffee beans, a hint of vanilla, chocolate, aniseed, bay leaves and blackberries. Good intensity throughout and again, that immaculate balance comes to the fore. The palate is very long and the texture ever so seductive, supple and creamy. Terrific now, it has a good eight to twelve years ahead of it and the score could/should go higher.