Nepenthe Shiraz – value stuff.

Nepenthe Shiraz 2010 (Adelaide Hills, SA)
14.5%, Screwcap, $19.95
Source: Sample
www.nepenthe.com.au

Cracking year in the Hills – for reds at least (I’m less convinced by some of the slightly broad ’10 Adelaide Hills whites). This is easily the best Shiraz that Nepenthe have made (for mine) too.

Lovely bright cherry purple colour. It’s almost Viognier licked such is the purple edge. Licorice, blackcurrants and blackberry varietal fruit on the nose with a whiff of volatility and some play-doh oak too. A generous and quite correct nose really. The palate is initially quite smooth but then kicks up with bitterness and briary black fruits. Good bitterness though (or I like it at least). I’d like to see a fraction more density and richness through the back end but, considering the price that’s probably a quibble.

Very good drinking for the dollars. 17.7/92