The new Viognier looked great, and so does this Balgownie Estate Shiraz 2020. Spends new 14 months in 25% new oak, then four months in older oak. Some whole bunches in the ferment, too, for what it’s worth.
Wonderfully purple-red plush wine in the classic Balgownie style. It smells opulent and plush but, importantly, not overripe. That Bendigo-ness is inescapable. Purple fruits, a little choc honeycomb oak, the fruit threatening to be fudgy and warm but magically held back (hat tip Tony). Sometimes, the Balgownie Shiraz can be a bit thunderous and warm (which is why the Cabernet is often the pick), but with a fully correct balance this year and more bitter tannins for shape.
Hard to miss the appeal here – it’s a full-throttle purple berry fruited Bendigo Shiraz, yet with light and shade. It’s the sort of wine that your old uncle will worship, and you’ll appreciate the nuances.
- Best drinking: Now and for at least fifteen years
- Score (out of 20): 18.5
- Score (out of 100): 94
- Alcohol %: 14.2
- RRP (in $AUD): 50
- Winery website: https://www.balgownie.com/
- Would I buy it?: Sure would
Leave a Reply