2016 Magill Estate Shiraz

A richer iteration of Magill, but slightly fragmented. Here it delivers an array of ripe dark-fruit compote, blackberries, dark plums and wild raspberries. There’s a curious, yellow-citrus edge, where acidity sits very prominently. Richer, riper fruit surrounds a crunchy core. Toasty oak and roasted spice flavors to the rescue. Needs time to settle down. Try in 2024.

The 2016 Shiraz Magill Estate aged in 100% new oak (70% French and 30% American), which has left its cedary, vanilla mark on the wine, but in a balanced, harmonious way. It's a full-bodied wine, with big berry fruit and lavish oak, yet those components are wonderfully judged, coming together in a fine, elegant wine that showcases the brand's home estate in the Adelaide suburbs. With only 15 cases for the United States, it will be tough to track down.

100% Magill Estate fruit. 13 months in 100% new French and American oak. This is the last vintage with all 12.5 acres; they’ve replanted half of it. Temperatures well below average during winter and early spring while winter rainfall was below the long-term average. The record low rainfall prevailed through the growing season while warmer than average weather in late spring and early summer ensured the vines were moving along nicely after a slow start. Some relief was provided by the onset of cooler weather in January and February. The relatively mild conditions during harvest ensured the fruit was able to ripen evenly across all blocks. The grapes were harvested by hand on 11 and 12 February. TA 6.8 g/l, pH 3.68. Blackish purple. Sweet and round and pzazzy. Big statement! Then a sudden dry finish. Briary. Screeching halt on the palate. (JR)