Ulithorne ‘Avitus’ McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018

Another 2018 McLaren Vale Shiraz from the Ulithorne team – well, why wouldn’t you if you can! Brilliant vintage, great vineyards, top winemaking and a grape and region that form a partnership made in heaven. Sourced from a single vineyard, ‘sand over clay’, in the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale. Made by the use of small batch ferments, which are then pressed into seasoned French oak for 18 months then barrel selection and bottling.

Opaque in colour. This is earthy with intriguing notes of dry herbs, coffee grinds, forest floor and dark chocolate. There is plenty of oak here, but it is still early days and the wine will simply continue to get better and better. Good focus and balance and it maintains its intensity right through its impressive length. More chocolate notes emerge on the palate. This is attractive, but it really could do with a bit more time to unveil all it can offer.