Could not wait to open another of these, just over one year since we tried the first. So what has changed? Now 12 months on, is the hype created by the rave reviews including Halliday’s 97 points, justified?
Well in a word (actually two), emphatically yes.
It is still a remarkable wine, still with that high toned spice, blackcurrant and red fruit bouquet, touched with some sweetness from the Viogner.
In the mouth it is silken and medium bodied; it coats all corners of the mouth, and leaves a film of dusty but superfine tannins.
It probably has not changed much since my first impression this time last year; Goodness knows how long this wine will last, in its ultra heavy bottle and screw cap, but I’d suggest 10 to 20 years if you feel that way inclined.
I must say here, that with the quality of so many wines upon release, I feel less and less need to be searching my cellar for those aged gems. And in so many cases, with many wines in cork, my aged gems have proved to be underwhelming. This is such a rich and complete wine right now, I’ll be trying for the perfect double – keep some and drink some.
It’s worth going back to what Halliday had to say about the wine in the 2013 Australian Wine Companion where he gave it a mighty 97 points.
Good crimson-purple; the small percentage of co-fermented viogner may have helped this beautifully balanced and composed wine, made from very low-yielding, drought affected vines, yet magically showing no signs of stress. The bouquet is beautifully fragrant and perfumed, the medium bodied palate with black and red cherry, licorice, spice and high quality oak flavours.
This review from Campbell Mattinson in The Wine Front also sings its praise:
This Reserve Shiraz from Moppity is still sorting itself out; but in time it will be beautiful. Great combination of elegance and flavour. Don’t expect a blockbuster. It’s an elegant, spicy, measured wine but it is classy from go to whoa. It’s a wine with flavoursome tannin, which is another way of saying that its flavours reach out through the finish. It’s floral and clovey, blackberried and cherried. Oak is meticulously applied, and presents only as a nutty, spicy smoothness. I loved smelling this, and loved drinking it – and was disappointed when the bottle was finished. Always the best sign. Rated : 95 Points Alcohol : 13.9% Price : $60 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2013 – 2020 Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front
I bought these recently from Chambers Cellars here in Sydney who had a small allocation on special at less $ than I paid first time around. I bought the last 6 from my local, but if you get the chance to try one, you might just remember me.
