2017 Grampians Langi Shiraz

The fruit is sourced from the Old Block vineyard, at an elevation of 350 m, continental climate with cool south-westerly winds from the Southern Ocean. Granitic sand over red clay. Vines are 48 years old and mostly ungrafted. Pre-phylloxera clone brought to the region by the Swiss in the 1860s, thought to have originated in the Rhône. 60% whole bunch. Fermented in small open fermenters. Hand-plunged, foot-stomped and basket-pressed. 14 months in French barriques, 45% new. Screwcap. Mid smudgy crimson. Complex and seductive with generous but not overly sweet black fruit, a touch of black olive. The 60% whole bunch brings freshness but is well hidden. Really perfumed as it opens. Then more savoury on the palate. Finely textured tannins are still firm. Youthful but layered and complex. (JH)

Opaque ruby. Assertively perfumed aromas of cherry cola, cassis, exotic spices and vanillin oak carry a suave floral topnote. Palate-staining black and blue fruit flavors show fine detail and complementary suggestions of mocha, vanilla and licorice. The spice and floral notes drive an impressively long, youthfully tannic finish that leaves a sweet dark berry note behind.

A very intense, meaty and peppery shiraz that has a wild array of fragrance and perfume, plenty of ethereally spicy blackberries and dark plums, cedar, chocolate, wet stones and rustic, meaty nuances. The palate has a tangy, juicy feel with some quite tart and meaty moments. Fresh at the finish. Drink early on in its life. Will turn quite savory with time. Screw cap.