Rice’s Vineyard in the Grampians is the warmest and earliest ripening site from which ‘The Story Wines’ sources Shiraz grapes. I actually put in my order for these 2010 wines before tasting them and left this one off the list…not so much because it’s lesser quality – rather due to the fact that I was looking to buy for the cellar and a previous incarnation had struck me as being more suited to early drinking. As it turns out though, this release will hold in the cellar for 5-10 years and it should even improve. Looks like my finances are about to take another hit…
Whole bunch charcuterie and herbs can’t hide the plush plums and forest berry fruit. Love the play between richness and earthy/meaty complexity here. A beautiful line of natural acidity is threaded through the flavours and the tannin is long and fine. Spicy on the back-end and gently kissed by chocolate oak. Real depth and oh so tasty. 150 dozen made. Leave some for me. Excellent
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $45
Tasted February 2012