The fourth vintage under Shaw & Smith control, this has such immediate appeal and attractive style it will be hard to see this wine making it to many cellars. The nose is super expressive with swirling spicy red cherries and boysenberry-scented pinot noir fruit. It's gently sappy, showing some herbal notes and toasty, spicy oak. The palate has intensity, depth and length; it's fleshy and supple through the middle, but the ever-so-slightly tart red-cherry flavors are mouth-wateringly fresh. The tannins are perfectly groomed, and the acidity is pitch-perfect. A great vintage: They have totally nailed it!
January 2017