McLaren Vale has been a fascinating case study for the predominantly wet 2011 South East Australian vintage. Some remarkable wines and some real disappointments. This sits somewhere in the middle.
The acid really is too pointy and sharp. Eventually that will become less of an issue but I do feel it needs to be noted. Anyway, the RSW has always been made for the cellar so if you’re going to have a crack at it now then give it a very long decant. That will help with all that mocha and clove oak as well. Despite the dark fruit, glints of raspberry and plums there’s an over-riding autumnal feel to proceedings with brown leaves strewn throughout the palate. It’s actually quite angular at the moment and more than a little awkward, the finish notable for its peppery character. I think, given the price, this is probably more of a Shiraz for hard-core RSW fans. 89+
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $70
Tasted: November 2013