Juxtaposed Home Block Shiraz 2021. McLaren Vale Shiraz with x-factor

As promised, today is the kick-off for a smorgasbord of reviews for wines that did pass muster in recent weeks (after teeing off with 27 wines that didn’t). I’m also going back to single wine review posts too, on the back of feedback that some smart wines get lost in long posts. Keen to hear your feedback on what format you like.

I tell you what I like – this Juxtaposed Home Block Shiraz 2021.

Dr Wes, the AWRI scientist with a wine label for a side hustle, is a friend, so I may well be biased. But he has nailed it here. The whole Juxtaposed range has had a rebranding, too (and Wes’ Dodgy Bros label has been retired), with minimalist packaging complemented by a smorgasbord of data on the label. Do you like it? I miss the illustrations (like this one), but the new labels are classy. The dark bottles are almost impossible to photograph, however, without getting the reflection of my dumb head. Anyway, this comes from the Minchella Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Matured in large format oak, with no additions save for SO2. Such a great expression too. Savoury, gravelly ironstone and purple fruit, this line of ferrousness with a black fruit plumpness too. Love the black earth tannins. This feels so nicely balanced and even and great. To my palate, up there with Yangarra as the best Shiraz in the Vale.

Best drinking: yeah it will go ten years. But just drink it now. 18.7/20, 95/100. 14.3%, $43. Would I buy it? Sure would.