Anaperenna Barossa Valley Shiraz Cabernet 2023

Anaperenna 2023 ($65) – A Barossa version of the classic Aussie red blend, 86% Shiraz and 14% Cabernet, the fruit came from the Ebenezer sub-region located at the northern end of the Barossa Valley. The vines were 30 to 100 years in age for the Shiraz and 30 to 130 years for the Cabernet. Maturation was in new oak hogsheads for sixteen months, 92% French and 8% American. Under cork.

Vibrant dark crimson with a purple edge, this is richly flavoured with notes of mocha, freshly unearthed beetroot, leather, dried herbs, cloves, black fruits, beefstock and mulberries. Good balance and intensity through to fine, firm tannins. It is perhaps a little chunky on the finish at this early stage, but should be better in two to three years and then drink impressively over the next ten to fifteen years, during which, it would be no surprise to see the score go a little higher. 93.