The fruit for the Polygon 1 is sourced from vines planted on micaceous schist is the dominant geology, conducive to powerful and structured wines that terroir specialist Pedro Parra perceives as ‘fire’. The parcel selection is so abstemious here that a small divide in the plot, bereft of schist, is excluded from the cuve. While forceful and luscious, there is a tension seldom found in wines from the region at large. An elasticity that pulls the saliva from the back of the mouth in preparation for the next sip. Think violet, smoked meat, iodine, white pepper and blueberry. Stunning gear!
This is the shiraz Polygon released alongside two grenache versions. It’s all about micro plots of vines on specific soil profiles identified by a terroir specialist in the employment of Alkina. It’s from 0.4 hectares, though one of the micro plots is excluded for this wine as it doesn’t contain required schist content to match the other tiny groups of vines. A very considered endeavour, it feels.
Strong scents of green herbs, white pepper, sour cherry, raspberry liquorice, a complex profile that feels enticing, higher toned, fresh. A great spread of fine, lacy tannins, succulent in texture all up, edgy, crisp red berry fruit flavours with more of the herb and spice, though the finish feels outside the mainframe and a bit tart and lemony and shrill. Tannins sop up moisture in the palate and linger with nice chewy feel. Vibrant, layered and structured expression.
93+ points, The Wine Front (March 2021)
This has a fresh, vibrant nose with plenty of blackberries and quite an intense, spiced-pastry edge. Some orange zest and pith, as well as graphite. A sense of fluidity and elegance here, the neatly-expressed tannins are given plenty of space. There’s a gently spicy edge, good length and balance. Red-plum and light blackberry flavors.
93 points, JamesSuckling.com (July 2020)
After mapping and separating the Alkina vineyard in Greenock into tiny patches known as polygons, based on varying geologies, the winemaking team has made tiny amounts from the most distinctive of them in what they deem the results of intense research and extreme commitment. The prices of their Polygon wines reflect this and their rarity.
Even within just a 0.4 hectare section, four distinct parcels have been further separated for this unique creation of shiraz, 100% whole bunch fermented in concrete before nine months in a ten year old barrel. Lifted with raspberry and chocolate notes, peppery spices – almost Szechuan, certainly an Asian pantry feel – this immensely attractive, medium bodied, open-weave wine is simply delicious to drink. Chinese dishes for sure, although it’s so appealing on its own.
95 points, Wine Pilot
Colonel William Light, the South Australian colony’s Surveyor-General, named the Barossa in 1837 after the site of an English victory over the French in the Spanish Peninsular War. In the mid-1800’s Silesian and English immigrants settled in the area. The Barossa itself comprises two distinct sub-regions: Eden Valley and the warmer Barossa Valley floor at 270m.The Barossa Valley enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers and relatively low rainfall. Cool sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent modify the temperature, however hot northerly winds can occasionally dominate creating considerable vine stress. Many older established vineyards are dry-grown, but supplementary irrigation is also extensively used. The valley is comprised of rich brown soils and alluvial sands. A long history of uninterrupted viticulture in the area means the Barossa valley is home to Australia’s largest concentration of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre with many over 100 years old. Although most famous for Shiraz, the Barossa can also produce fragrant and deliciously fruity Grenache blends and beautifully rich, chocolatey Cabernet Sauvignons.
