Zonte’s Footsteps Lake Doctor Shiraz Langhorne Creek 2023

It seems that one of the tragedies of modernity is that the design of the new stadium in Perth prevents the famous Fremantle Doctor from plying its influence in the annual cricket Test. Although, it would want to have been quick this year, given the duration of that game. Not sure where the concept of ‘Doctor’ came from, but it does seem to apply to breezes that benefit. And the Lake Doctor in Langhorne Creek is another. These are winds that travel across the Great Southern Ocean, all away from Antarctica, bringing relief to the vines (and no doubt the winemakers) during summer. All part of the wonderful tapestry that is the glorious array of wines from this region. This particular wine sees maturation in a mix of new and older hogsheads and puncheons for periods between twelve and fifteen months. The colour here is a bruised plum/dark cherry hue. The nose gives us aromas of chocolate, licorice, dry herbs, cassis, mulberries, mocha and fruitcake. And if that doesn’t want to make you crack a bottle, I’m really not sure what will. Supple and smooth, there is good intensity here and very good length. The wine is well balanced throughout and finishes with fine tannins. For enjoying over the next ten to fifteen years.