Cockfighter’s Ghost Reserve Hunter Valley Shiraz 2014

Cockfighter’s Ghost is a great wine name. Evocative. Odd. Intriguing. It’s always perplexed that it ended up as the second label of Poole’s Rock.

Anyway, this Shiraz comes from the 50 year old Poole’s Rock Post Block vineyard. Cold soaked for 4 days, matured for just six months in a large 2500L oak foudre. Promising handling.

It’s a curious wine in the end though. Despite the sensitive winemaking, it’s lighter and more confected than expected, the style elegant but also just a little washed out, the depth of flavour more wet year than hot year Hunter, with a distinctive redcurrant and red earth character. It’s not necessarily short, so you’d imagine the wine is going to get there in time, but it doesn’t convince yet. Extra points for the sly promise. Drink: 2018-2030. 17/20, 90/100

Details: 14.5%, Screwcap, $38, Sample
Would I buy it? Not yet.
Buy online: Cockfighter’s Ghost website