Random Acts of Winemaking Shiraz 01/10

Random Act of Winemaking Shiraz

Random Acts of Winemaking Shiraz 01/10 (Grampians, Vic and Hunter Valley, NSW)
13.8%, Screwcap, $70 (cellar door only)
Source: Sample
www.peppertreewines.com.au

It goes against the modern ‘single site wines are king’ dogma to say so, but I rather like these new generation super blends. Actually, new generation is completely wrong, for multi-district blending has been around since the Bordelaise worked out that a little Rhone Syrah did wonders for their wares. Regardless, I think that well defined multi-regional blends are less celebrated than what they should be (though that is changing too).

As for this wine, well it is a somewhat untried blend composed of one barrel of 2010 Mount Langi Ghiran vineyard Grampians Shiraz and one barrel of 2010 Tallawanta Vineyard Hunter Shiraz. That makes just two barrels of this unique wine (with that rarity reflected in the price).

Perhaps the only thing actually working against this potential supervino is the question of whether these two components actually mesh. Are they too closely aligned to be intriguing together?  Sure, you can see the minerality of the Langi parcel and the texture of the Hunter component, but I’m not sure if it might be a case of two drummers attempting to play the same drumkit.

What is obvious though is that this is a youthful beast. It’s almost barrel sample-esque actually, such is that freshness and vibrance. Very promising actually. Immediately that plum essence Grampians Shiraz character shines through
on the nose too, underpinned by quite sweet, bright and almost candied plum and red dirt Hunter fruit. Pepper and black cherry sort of modern Shiraz nose, if just slightly chubby.

Following that nose, the palate is initially quite pretty and fleshy. Again that confection is a bit distracting, but otherwise its quite rich and dark fruited if again really quite moderate. If finishes long, and finely tannic with slightly blunt acidity but a quality line.

At every turn you’re sort of expecting more fireworks from this wine but it doesn’t quite show its fleshy bits just yet. Will it be quite the superstar eventually?

Drink: 2015 – 2025
Score: 17.7/92+