Leasingham Classic Clare Shiraz 2015

Growing up, this was one of my favourite wines, but more recently it feels like it lacks an identity, just part of the Hardy’s range. From the Provis vineyard, it’s an old school Clare Valley red, laden with mint, sweet oak and capped off with drying, life-sucking tannins and plenty of (added) acidity. It’s going to live, but this mode feels dated and ultimately harder to drink than it should. But I keep coming back to the length – it lingers with a licoricey, cocoa powder density that makes for a ‘real’ red. I’m torn – I want this to be better, but I also can’t doubt the intended style. Best drinking: I’d wait 5 years minimum. It will live for decades. 17/20, 90/100. 14%, $69.99. Would I buy it? No.