2021 Western Block 2 Reserve Shiraz Magnum in Presentation Box
McLaren Vale
Vineyard - The 2021 Reserve Shiraz is hand crafted from grapes grown on block 2 of the Western Block on the Lloyd Brothers McLaren Vale Estate which has been most consistent premium block on the Estate over a couple of decades. Planted in 1998, Shiraz clone 1654, 2898 vines.
Geology of the Lloyd Brothers McLaren Vale Estate Vineyard - Located on the Blanche Point Formation in the Eocene group which is 56 to 34 million years in age. Glauconitic, fossiliferous calcareous siltstone with Tortachilla Limestone at base.
Winemaking - The Western Block 2 was selectively picked on the 3rd March 2021 and fermented in 1 and 2 tonne open fermenters, spending between 15 – 20 days on skins prior to being basket pressed to new and seasoned French oak. After 16 months the best barrels were selected to create the Reserve Shiraz. Bottled, unfined on the 6th of September 2022. Vegan friendly.
Oak Maturation - 16 months in new and seasoned French oak barriques and hogsheads. Taransaud, Saury, Sylvain and Francois Freres being the coopers of choice with the 30% new oak component being from Taransaud.
Tasting Note - Deep, dark red in colour with aromas of lifted violets, dark plum, mocha and dried herbs. The palate is layered with black currant, boysenberry, liquorice, dark chocolate, iodine with a touch of dried herbs, black pepper and spice on the finish. Approachable in its youth this wine will happily age for 15+ years.
Less 100 Magnums produced
95 points The Real Review "Deep, dark, inky and opaque in the glass. Fabulous colour. Heady aromas of mulberry, stewed plum, dried herbs, bramble, sweet spice and cedar. Full flavoured, chewy, opulent and powerful on the palate. Lashings of broodingly rich, inky dark fruits along with coffee, mocha, spice, nutty oak and anise. The tannins deliver real structure and purpose and the acidty has punch and zip and keeps the decadent fruit in check nicely." Aaron Brasher
94 points The Wine Front "Plum, blue and black fruit, mocha, a little bit of perfume. It’s plush and mouth-filling, a smooth flood of berries with some spice and dark chocolate, nori, balanced acidity, regional ferrous character, and a bold finish of good length. It’s rich but balanced, and maybe what you might call a ‘give the people what they want’ style." Gary Walsh