Back in June, I reviewed Wes Pearson’s excellent Home Block Mclaren Vale Shiraz, with this Sandy Cnr Block as the companion piece. We’ve moved from the Michella to the Wait Vineyard, though the handling is similar – minimal additions, older oak, and all the right ways to deliver a Vale Shiraz with authenticity.
Interestingly this feels more classic McLaren Vale in a way, with more vanilla, more warmth, and more expansive flavour. A familiar turn. Coffee, dark berries, dark jubes, a little black spice. It’s a dark and brooding Shiraz of power and yet not excess. The alcohol did stick out a little more than the Home Block, but that’s probably my only quibble for what is a quality bold Juxtaposed Shiraz.
As someone who has been close to Wes’ wines over the years, it’s such a pleasure when they drop and look so good and right. Makes this whole reviewing thing a shitload easier. Now if only the bottles weren’t so hard to photograph…
- Best drinking: Good to go, but you can guarantee a decade easy.
- Score (out of 20): 18.5
- Score (out of 100): 94
- Alcohol %: 14.3
- RRP (in $AUD): 45
- Winery website: https://juxtaposed.com.au/
- Would I buy it?: Yes.
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