2021 The Wheelwright Shiraz
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Tasting notes
The 2021 The Wheelwright Single Vineyard Shiraz is succulent and chalky, with dried herb and crushed rocks, blackberry, mulberry and a hint of pastrami. The fruit was grown at an elevation of 500 meters, and the vines are planted in a contour, mostly north facing. This is ultimately a spicy, red-fruited expression. There are notes of raspberry seed, shades of nori, blood and gore. It is fresh and beautiful and slinky, in its way. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Full screwcapped bottle just 1,283 g. 100% Shiraz planted in 1968 by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke in a cooler part of the Mount Loftty Ranges near the village of Eden Valley at 470 m and first released a century later. As per the Barossa Old Vine Charter, an ‘old vine’ is equal to or greater than 35 years of age. Bright garnet. Smells briney and herbal with a top note of liquorice. Nicely married aromas. Tastes salty too with a firm, dry finish though the tannins are clearly ripe and well worked. Sweet and slightly medicinal. Despite its 14.5% alcohol, there's not a jot of alcoholic heat on the long finish, which is so clean and pure it's almost bracing. (JR)
The 2021 Shiraz Wheelwright is a charming Eden Valley Shiraz with wide appeal due to its natural approachability and surprising delicacy. Intriguing wafts of celery salt, potpourri, and Mediterranean herbs sit comfortably over a manicured core of plum skin and dark cherry aromas. Flavors tend more towards blackcurrant and graphite, with impressive brightness. Willowy tannins deliver a long yet fine finish.