2004 Attunga 1865 Shiraz
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Cork stoppered. The only wine in this vertical tasting with any marked aged on the rim, some brick (though see 2006). Still deep blackish crimson in its core. Rich and chocolatey with a suggestion of plums on the nose and a lightly medicinal note. Spice. Refined tannins and a little alcohol on the end. Very slightly old-fashioned but definitely Australian! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A new offering, the 2004 Shiraz Attunga 1865 comes from a Clare Valley vineyard planted in 1865. According to Kevin Mitchell, it is the oldest commercially active vineyard still producing in the Clare Valley. Aged 25 months in 100% new French hogsheads, this is a single vineyard cuvee of extraordinary elegance (rather than power). It is amazing to see how this old vine Shiraz fruit has resulted in a wine that is very linear, deep purple-colored, with notes of creosote, blueberries, crushed rocks, and acacia flowers. While it possesses extraordinary richness, what the taster gets is a sense of definition, elegance, finesse, and tremendous intensity. It appears to be seamlessly constructed, but I suspect more tannin will emerge once it has had some time in a cold cellar. It will be fascinating to follow this wine’s evolution over the next two decades. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800