If you don’t like white grapes in red wine then look away now. Or keep reading; you may be surprised. This a blend of Shiraz co-fermented with 5% Roussanne. It’s a better wine than the d’Arenberg Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier – whether that’s due to more judicious inclusion of the white grape component or just a case of Roussanne being more suited to the occasion, I can’t say definitively…altough my guess is it’s a bit of both.
It’s a floral little bugger. Violets, dried flowers and anise. Dense and meaty with a gamey edge too. Purple berries with flashes of blue and a plum bass line. Pan juices, cocoa and nutmeg. Lots going on here. Has a pleasantly slippery feel in the mouth but it’s grounded by plenty of supple, ripe tannin. Seductive and substantial. 93 Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $32
Tasted: April 2013