2016 Kilikanoon Shiraz Oracle

At six years of age now, the 2016 Oracle Shiraz has evolved from spicy, primary and velvety to savory, meaty and lush. The aromas cross over the boundaries of hung deli meat (particularly peppered salami), star anise and other exotic spices, salted licorice and oolong tea. In the mouth, the wine is texturally seamless, as the fruit flows across the palate and through to the finish. There's graphite, chewing tobacco, blood and dusty/dry stones, too. This is a finer, softer wine in the mouth than expected, given the aromas, but beautiful now as it straddles the precipice of young and old.