Viveur Limestone Coast Shiraz 2021

The Berrigan family operation is a relatively new one, taking fruit from their own vineyards in the Adelaide Hills and Mt Benson on the Limestone Coast. The labels are most definitely visually striking and rather well done, although to be honest, I am still trying to work out if this one, dubbed ‘Margeaux’, is a dog or a horse or something else. The grapes for this Shiraz were hand-plunged in open fermenters and matured in French oak for 16 months. This is the first of their wines I’ve encountered and it certainly makes a most positive impression. Opaque magenta in colour, the nose offers a range of characters, weaving through dry herbs, chocolate, spices and black cherries. The palate gives the impression of an attractive plushness. A soft, lingering structure here, with very good length supported by soft, satiny tannins. No question that the wine is providing pleasure at this moment, but will offer even more over the next four to six years.