Here below is just a sample of some great current vintage reviews from the 2020 Wine Companion, including some outstanding wines from Sons of Eden, Bream Creek,Best’s Great Western, Mr. Riggs, Moss Wood, and De Iuliis.
Also coming in the next few months, there’s some highly rated major new releases, including the Coriole Lloyd Reserve Shiraz (“an extremely focused and regal wine“, 97 Points), De Iuliis Limited Shiraz (“untold layers of black fruits to act as springboards into the future“, 95 Points) and Pierro Reserve Cabernet Merlot (“a seamless, confident display of fruit and oak flavour, the finish then a masterclass in tannin management“, 96 Points).
As well, the new Wine Companion gave us a taster of what’s coming further ahead next year with Best’s Thomson Family Shiraz 2017 (99 Points and one of the best Shiraz wines of 2020), as well as Elderton Command Shiraz 2016 (97 Points). Plenty to look forward to!
Cheers!
CURRENT VINTAGE REVIEWS
Sons of Eden Zephyrus Shiraz 2017
Top Value Rated
“Fruit from eight vineyards across the Barossa and Eden valleys, anywhere from 10-60% whole bunches depending on the batch, 3 weeks on skins and all French oak, 45% new. The wine stands out. Spice, fruit, pepper and wood smoke flavours explode onto the palate and ramp the seduction from there. It’s both supple and fresh, but the fruit power is obvious. In short, it’s really good.”96 Points (CM), Wine Companion 2020
Bream Creek Pinot Noir 2017
Top Value Rated
“Hand-picked, open-fermented with 85% whole berries and 15% whole bunches, 20 days on skins, matured for 10 months in French oak (20% new). Good depth of colour; mouthfilling waves of black cherry and satsuma plum follow precisely in the tracks of the bouquet. It has exceptional finesse, line, length and balance. Trophies Best Tasmanian Red Wine and Best Tasmanian Wine Hobart Wine Show ’18, plus significant gold medals in other shows.” 96 Points (JH), Wine Companion 2020
Best’s Great Western Riesling 2018
Top Value Rated
“Pale straw-green; the bouquet is enticing, but it’s the palate that sends all the senses into overdrive. Intense lime juice intersects with shiny bright acidity. This takes mouthwatering flavours onto new levels. Great length inevitably follows, promising a very long life. The Great Western subregion deserves far greater recognition for its rieslings.” 96 Points (JH), Wine Companion 2020
Mr. Riggs McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016
Top Value Rated
“Matured for 18 months in new and used French oak. This is the essence of McLaren Vale with its diamond-sharp rendition of blackberries wrapped in dark chocolate, the tannin structure like an eiderdown. The alcohol doesn’t spoil the party, it is simply a number.” 96 Points (JH), Wine Companion 2020
Best’s Bin 1 Shiraz 2017
Top Value Rated
“The decidedly cool climate of the Great Western subregion comes through the bouquet and palate in an unbroken stream of black cherry, licorice, spice and earth. The detailed framework of the wine captures elegance and compelling flavour, finely tuned and ripe tannins joining a wisp of French oak providing length.” 95 Points (JH), Wine Companion 2020
De Iuliis Lovedale Road Shiraz Touriga 2017
Top Value Rated
“An 80/20% blend designed for early drinking, that won a top-gold medal at the Hunter Valley Wine Show ’18. An unusually floral bouquet is promptly followed by a juicy/fleshy mid-palate, the fine tannins which then appear simply providing structure. I would bet the proverbial house that this will comfortably sail through ’30 if any stray bottles came to light in the cellar.” 95 Points (JH), Wine Companion 2020
Moss Wood Amy’s 2017
Top Value Rated
“Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and petit verdot grown on the Glenmore Vineyard, fermented, matured and bottled at Moss Wood. The excellent crimson-purple colour introduces a juicy and seductive array of red and black fruits held close by ripe tannins and integrated French oak. A pleasure to drink.” 95 Points (JH), Wine Companion 2020