Talk about old vines, the source for this excellent Shiraz are vines planted way back in 1848, making them some of the oldest in the Barossa Valley. The colour is a deep, almost opaque purple-black. The aromas burst with vibrant fresh berry and raspberry, plums, and a spicy glazed cherry character. It's an engaging opening that sets up the palate. The palate is more in the medium-bodied zone with excellent structure. The fruit, which is deeply concentrated, is supported by fine, silky tannins and a fine oak integration. It's so silky smooth, but with real power and fruit concentration. It's a wine of both brilliance and vibrancy, with the energy bounding through to an effortlessly long palate. It's a joy to drink.

The vines offering fruit for this cracking Barossa Shiraz were planted back in 1848, making them some of the oldest on the planet. We looked at this wine while it was still a barrel sample, when it seriously impressed. Even better now.

The colour is a vibrant opaque purple/maroon. This is still very young, but it harbours so much promise. Utterly delicious. There are notes of mulberries, florals, soy, blackberries, licorice, plums, mocha, cassis, root vegetables and coffee beans. The structure is exuberant with a seamlessness, and there is immaculate balance, serious length and satiny tannins. So much to love. This is a joy now but it has a decade ahead. Even though it is from such a recent vintage, this is exciting and deserves its score. It is that good.

Here is a wine that demonstrates why some wines are best enjoyed over time with the quiet of candlelight and crickets for company. I opened this and drank it over 3 days, not quite convinced I’d seen its true beauty in one seating. There are Davidson plum skin, blueberries plucked from the bush and Arbequina olives. Some fresh bay leaf, volcanic rock and kampot peppercorns. What happens over time is the unveiling of some rhubarb and earthy red fruits and a deepening of olive grove and Mediterranean herbs. Tannins are pillowly, you sink into them like a deflating cushion, acidity cradled around your neck keeping things upright and focused. It quite simply is such a well integrated wine that you stop focusing on minute detail and exhale with the enjoyment, this heightened on day 3 to be exact. If you are after ball busting flavours and smack you around oak flavours, this isn’t it. But treat it right and the Black label will reward you with sophistication and charm. This went well with a salami toastie, tacos and a charcuterie plate, don’t judge me it was a big week.