Standish The Relic Shiraz Viognier 2018

Scores

98 / 100

"Despite being only 2% Viognier, in its current state, Standish's 2018 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier shows prominent notes of stone fruit and spice, plus the blackberries and blueberries of the Shiraz. Full-bodied, lush and creamy-textured, with a long, silky finish, this beauty should drink well for a couple of decades after its release next year."
- The Wine Advocate

97 / 100

"Shiraz co-fermented with 2% Viognier, from the Hongell Vineyard in Krondorf, planted 1991. A cascade of aromas: cassis, blackberry, bilberry, creamy Black Forest gateau, black pepper and cardamom, then more savoury kelp, creosote and bloody undertones. Concentrated yet buoyant, with juicy persistence and fine, mouthcoating tannins. Controlled opulence. Drinking Window 2020 - 2038"
- Decanter

96 / 100

"Apricot, vanilla bean and white flowers, ripe blueberry, blackberry pie with a spicy crust. It’s silky, juicy, layers of silky and silty tannin, gentle but persistent and maybe even insistent. Succulence and perfume, something of a grilled steak flavour, freshness and density, and sweet sweet length. It’s a warm fruit pie of a wine, but keeps itself so well controlled. It’s very hard not to be impressed."
- Gary Walsh

95 / 100

"From an east-facing slope with ridges of quartz, offering very attractive blackberries and plums and some dark violet florals, too. This has a really expressive feel. The palate has plush, fleshy, deep-set fruit flavors and a gently spicy thread. Deep black-fruit finish with rich dark plums and blackberries. Smooth, plush tannin. Full-bodied, but approachable. A 2% co-ferment of viognier. Long, blackberry finish. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling

Tasting Notes