Barrel Select Shiraz 2022

Thorn Clarke – 

Barrel Select Shiraz 2022 ($150) – As the name indicates, the estate’s flagship wine is a barrel selection. Maturation was for twenty months in 300-litre American oak hogsheads, a mix of new, second and third use barrels, and there was a further period in bottle as well, before release. Under cork. 

This is an utterly gorgeous Barossa Valley Shiraz from a fine vintage. The colour is a deep bruised plum with maroon edges. The nose is all liqueur cherries with supporting vanillin oak which has been superbly integrated. There are notes of chocolate and cassis, mocha and coffee beans. Quintessential Barossa Valley Shiraz but ever so classy. From the gorgeous aromas, we move to a refined palate with immaculate balance and a fine line of energy through to silky tannins. The acidity provides a juiciness and there really is such impressive length here. Seamless in structure, the intensity is maintained for the full journey. This will surely provide pleasure for the next quarter of a century. 97.