2020 Brooks Road Shiraz
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Tasting notes
Blend of blocks in Clarendon: Block 126 (35%) – 5.6-ha block planted in 2002. One of the steepest slopes overlooking the Onkaparinga River. Shallow soil of brown silty clay loam with 20–50% siltstone fragments. Yield of 4 t/ha. Block 300 (36%) – 2.9-ha contoured planting from 1971. Dark yellowish-brown loam with 10–50% fragments of siltstone. Yield of 3 t/ha. Block 200 (29%) – 2.3-ha contoured planting from 1971. Dark brown clay loam, overlaying a light grey, fine-grain layered bedrock. Low-yielding vintage due to hot spring. Hand-picked, 20% whole bunch, 30% destemmed and berry sorted, 50% crushed to open-top fermenters. Cold soaked. Approximately 3 weeks on skins. No pressings used and drained directly to barrel. Kept on lees in 30% new French oak puncheons, with the rest in 1- to 2-year puncheons for 10 months. Racked and blended. Further matured in older 25-hl foudre and a concrete 18-hl egg for 8 months. Deep crimson. Perfumed with violets and blue-black fruit. Sweetly oaky in its spice aroma. Fine harmony between the firm, smooth tannins, freshness and creamy black fruit. Sweet yet fresh, long. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A deep color in the glass. The 2020 Shiraz Brooks Road is a decadent and bold expression of McLaren Vale, delivering charcoal and sweet blackberry aromas, plus an attractive eucalypt lift with a rich seam of vanilla oak. A firm and punchy palate follows, with intense sweet fruits and peaty complexity. A rich core of tannins offers support and provides significant aging potential.
Aromas of crushed plums, blackberries, ground clove and grilled rosemary. Forest. Mushroom. Bark. Leafy. Full-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Lovely density and concentration here with the fruit remaining fresh and succulent throughout. Subtle, but complex spice and herbs as well. Delicious. Best after 2025. Screw cap.
This 2020 Brooks Road Shiraz is littered with rendered lamb fat, BBQ char, clove bud and licorice on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is defined by red fruit, and it is savory and fine. This is not at all a big wine. It is medium-bodied and carries its fruit and freshness well. Much of this cuvée is from the 1971 plantings outside the house I am sitting in right now (in Clarendon). Saline acidity curves through the fruit, and the tannins shape the course of the finish. Lovely wine. Classy. (The plus sign in the score relates to the fact that I am sitting here also tasting the 2014 alongside, and if anything, it's a better wine, as it has gained momentum in the spice and character department; so, it follows that this wine will only improve in time.)