Thomas Wines Motel Block Shiraz 2010 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
13.8%, Screwcap, $50
Source: Sample
www.thomaswines.com.au

Motel Block is always the biggest and blackest of Andrew Thomas’ Shiraz with an intensity more akin to the Barossa than the Hunter. This vintage more than ever. I typically have a favourite Thomas Shiraz and this year it is the Kiss (last vintage it was the Motel Block).

Shows a little of the scorched almond warm year character, almost like a 2008 Barossa Shiraz, the intensity and thickness of plush red liquered fruit also akin to something from South Oz, echoed through the warm, dried finish. What rescues this from heaviness is a juicy, richly textured middle and some nice grainy tannins.

Atypical Hunter Shiraz perhaps but still genuinely attractive.

Drink: 2012-2020
Score: 17.7/20 92/100
Would I buy it? I’d prefer the Kiss this vintage. Still drink this though.