St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2011 (Barossa, SA)
14%, Screwcap
Source: Tasting
www.sthallett.com.au

No Old Block in 2011, which leaves this as the top dog St Hallett Shiraz. Considering the vintage it’s a pretty solid release, if not a patch on the 2010.

Hard not to compare this to some of the better Blackwell’s methinks, but lets do a bit of a contrast anyway. Bad bits: It doesn’t quite have the clarity on the nose of the top vintages, nor the ripeness, with lots of spiky acidity and not enough tannins, with a half-baked, squishy-in-the-middle form. Good bits: Careful oak handling, the surprising plushness through the middle and no shortage of winemaking polish.

Ultimately lets call this not bad, but not quite great either. I’d be waiting for the 2012…

Drink: 2013-2020
Score: 16.5/20 88/100
Would I buy it? No.