Willunga 100 McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier 2021

A delicious and well-constructed example of this Côte-Rôtie blend (just 4% Viognier here), the fruit is from the Whites Valley sub-region of McLaren Vale. Fermentation commenced, on skins, in stainless steel open fermenters for a week, before transfer to tanks to finish. The wine was then split, with half going to older French oak hogsheads and half into tank for ten months maturation. Magenta hue, the nose, which is given a lovely lift by the addition of the Viognier, is redolent of tobacco leaves, blackberries, leather, dry herbs and a hint of stonefruits. A supple palate with fine, silky tannins. The palate here starts to provide a more chocolatey note with a lingering finish. Drink over the next six to eight years.