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97
/ 100
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96
/ 100
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95
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Winery Notes
2023 KING’S WOOD SHIRAZ
Royal Oaks and King’s Wood were forests planted by monarchs to build elegant cathedrals and church naves. The beautiful old French oak in our foudre vessels helps us make elegant wine by gradually polishing and protecting the brightest, spiciest South facing Shiraz we grow on Yangarra.
VINTAGE SUMMARY
The growing season began with significantly higher than average rainfall. The cool, wet conditions continued through Spring, setting us up for balanced canopies and lower yields. La Niña weather patterns forecasted cooler temperatures and continued rainfall for harvest. We were able to enhance vineyard practices such as shoot thinning and leaf removal to promote airflow, reduce mildew and increase sun exposure to bunches. From our experience, a cold vintage in a warm region can produce some of the best wines. Due to the cultural practices implemented, we were able to pick the majority of the vineyard in a three-week window prior to Easter, completed in early April. Wines produced from this vintage will be some of the prettiest and most delicate from the Estate.
WINEMAKING
Sourced from Block 12 (2.3 Ha) which sits on a south-east facing, ironstone sandy outcrop. Picked on the 30th of March. 20% Whole bunch, remaining selectively berry sorted and crushed. Open fermenters and on skins for approximately 20 days. A gentle maceration principle of wetting the cap and only draining and returning as required. Wild yeast ferment. Basket pressed with only the lightest pressings included with the free run. Matured in French and Austrian oak 25hL foudre for a total of 16 months. Bottled August 2024. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Red
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: Australia
Region: South Australia, McLaren Vale
Alcohol %: 14.5%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Awards

Scores
97 / 100"The nose is incredibly complex and deeply scented, with aromas of blood plums, cured meat, mulberries, blueberry bush and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with seamless tannins and bright acidity, giving tightly wound notes of cherry confit, iodine, ferric earth, mocha and a slight metallic finish. Exceptionally well constructed, with years ahead of it to integrate. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
- James Suckling
96 / 100
"“From the 2.3ha Block 12, a southeast-facing sand and ironstone outcrop; 20% whole bunch, with 80% sorted and crushed; matured in 2500L French and Austrian oak for 16 months. This opens with a little reductive cloak, which is appealing in itself, if a little occluding of the fruit. Initially at least. There’s a Rhône-like feel, with a spicy, smoky angle. Fruit flavours roll through blackberry pastille, blueberry, tart boysenberry and black cherry, accented with malted barley, rolling tobacco, roasted meat, freshly ground coffee, star anise, cassia and allspice. There’s an underlying finesse here, as with all the '23s, both red and white. Excellent.”"
- James Halliday's Wine Companion
95 / 100
"“Impenetrable core, deep ruby to the rim. Full nose of blackberry and blueberry with roasting coffee and bitter chocolate notes. Palate holds a mirror to the nose but has further savoury meaty undertones that create a wonderful depth and umami character. Flows incredibly long, tannins finely ripened to ensure that line carries without showing any exertion, the finish a fan of complexity and poise.”"
- Stuart Knox