Friday, September 11, 2020- Nick Stock
https://www.jamessuckling.com/
..the confluence of many things including strong feature vintages, better understanding and management of vineyards, the elucidation of great old vines and younger hands taking hold at the heart of the region’s winemaking. It is a very good time to be buying and drinking Barossa.
THE LAIRD 2015
98 points
A single plot, planted by Malcolm Seppelt in 1958. A very complex and intense array of tarry dark-plum, clove and cardamom aromas. Plum paste, currants, blueberries and black cherries, too. There’s a load of dark spice here. The palate has a very intense delivery of such concentrated and intense dark, ripe plum and blackberry-essence flavors. Aged for 36 months in new French oak barriques. Extended flavors, a dark-chocolate note and emulsified tannins. Unique and complex wine. Best from 2025THE FACTOR 2017
96 points
A blend of parcels that sees a 24-month elevage in barriques and has Western Barossa black fruit, as well as a strong, savory, tarry thread, spiced earth and orange peel. Very velvety tannins, packed with rich dark fruit that drive so so long. The cooler vintage has dialed this in nicely. So much concentrated flavor. Seamless texture. Excellent length. A great Factor! Drink or hold.
RUNRIG 2017
95 points
A blend of shiraz and 2% viognier. This is a blend of six very old vineyards (1850-1901 plantings), aged for 29 months in French oak barriques, 40% new. There’s a very strong expression of red and darker berries and plums, dark spices and dark stones here. The oak adds fresh-spice complexity. The palate has a super deep, dense and rich feel with such long but gentle tannins. Fluid and flowing style, super fine texture and a flavor-soaked finish. Drink or hold
LES AMIS 2017
94 points
David Slade’s grenache in Greenock delivers smaller berries and bunches. This has been elevaged in French oak barriques for 24 months. Pomegranate and spiced berry-pastry aromas, together with earthy, leathery and spicy character. The cooler vintage has delivered quite complex style. The palate has a very juicy feel with a bolder oak thread and quite a chiseled palate for grenache. Plenty of structure here. Drink or hold
DESCENDANT 2017
94 points
A cooler, wetter vintage with elegance to the wines. This is exotic with vibrant floral notes and raspberries, pomegranate and dark peaches, as well as briar, red berries and plums. A cooler year like this gives the viognier greater air time. The palate has a very convincing and complete tannin structure, layered with a wealth of ripe dark plums and long, soft, later-picked tannins that hold plenty of flavor. Complex.