The Autumn hors Bordeaux campaign sees a brilliant and very consistent set of releases from some of Australia’s most iconic producers, as well as some unique New Zealand Pinot Noirs, writes Colin Hay. Australian releases (red) Vintage Region 1st release? Rating Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021 Clare Valley No 96 Cloudburst Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Margaret River No 98 Cloudburst Malbec 2021 Margaret River No 97 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021 S. Australia No 95 Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Connawarra No 96 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 S. Australia No 96 Penfolds Red Wine Trial Bin 798 Shiraz 2022 Barossa Valley No 96 Penfolds Grange Shiraz 2020 S. Australia No 98+ Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz 2019 Barossa Valley No 96 Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz 2009 Barossa Valley No 96 Wynns John Riddoch 2021 Coonawarra No 97 Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021 (Clare Valley; 14% alcohol). Very menthol. Impressive. Dark berry fruits. Quite a well-defined structure, the parameters set very early by the brisk and grainy, grippy, engaging tannins. Very, very mentholated. Eucalyptus. The aromatic fireworks are carried onto the palate too. Layered – but thickly; more cashmere than silk. Grippy and pixilating tannins. There’s considerable density here but it always remains fresh. There’s also a luminous quality that will come through more with aging.
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Fine Wine
