Very floral with aromas of roses and violets, as well as some crushed stones, raspberries, mulberries and darker plums. Some licorice, too. Profound, dark-stony depth to the nose here with some wet slate and graphite. The palate has a succulent, juicy and rich, glossy feel. The tannins are emulsified, smooth and polished. Pliable and responsive, they expand and wrap at the finish. Long, red and dark plums throughout. Flavors of fresh dark-plum pit hold long. From 1898 Central Vineyard and 1920 Eastern Vineyard plantings.
98 points, JamesSuckling.com (August 2020)
Plush, soft and soothing. Effortless and seamless flow. Transparent in a way, a little diffuse, but feels almost, dare I say, pinot like in its suppleness and flow, though the finish is excellent with its al dente, fine tannins and succulence. Amazing tannins actually. Violets, rose hip tea, black plums and faint meatiness with a sweet earth savouriness through the mix. Really delightful, really good. Very distinctive, very intriguing and very delicious.
96+ points, The Wine Front (August 2020)
Dried roses, blood plum, gum leaf, raspberry. Medium-bodied, crisp, perfumed, good amount of chew to the tannin, not quite as fine and mineral this year, though. Cranberry crunch through a long finish. Excellent. Charming. So much character and personality. A beautiful wine.
95+ points, The Wine Front (August 2020)
The Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is located two hours north of Adelaide in the Mount Lofty ranges. The region was settled by John Horrocks who encouraged his servant James Green to plant the first vines in 1842. Climate in the Clare Valley is continental with hot summers, cold winters and low rainfall that necessitates supplementary irrigation. Soils in the valley are predominantly red brown loams over shale, permitting excellent drainage. Many of the best vineyards are located at higher elevations of 400-500m on sites that take advantage of the cool breezes that funnel up the corrugation of hills from the south. The Clare Valley is renowned for its zesty fruit-pure Rieslings particularly from the sub-regions of Polish Hill and Watervale. The region also produces intense age-worthy sturdy reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
