Shiraz Reserve
2019
Pirramimma was founded by Alexander Campbell Johnston in 1892 and has been owned and operated by the Johnston family ever since. The Johnston family arrived in South Australia in 1839 and in 1892 Alexander, the tenth of thirteen children, purchased 97 hectares of rich farmland southeast of the then fledgling village of McLaren Vale. He named his land Pirramimma, an Aboriginal phrase meaning "the moon and the stars." The vineyard soils vary from sandy, on the rise, to rich dark loam on the flat....
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This exceptional 2019 vintage has produced fruit of the highest quality. A slow ripening period had delivered a distinctive pure varietal character. Fruit parcels primarily from the Johnston owned estate surrounding the McLaren Vale winery provided the framework for this elegant Shiraz, with a mixture of seasoning in both French and American oak, only 18% being new.
Lively scents of Satsuma plum, black cherry, vanilla bean and mocha revealed on the nose. Complemented by luscious flavours of blackberry, spicy mulberry, dark chocolate fused with coconut and cedar on the palate. These intense aromas and flavours are enhanced by firm tannins and delicate oak nuances, culminating in a rich, long and powerful finale.
"The back label says '11 was an excellent vintage producing fruit of the highest quality, with great vintage conditions. What does one then say about '10 and '12? However that may be, this is both elegant and complex, with spice and pepper nuances to the plum and black cherry bouquet, the palate picking up all of those characters, adding a hint of raspberry, and then finishing with fine, lingering tannins."
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Only 30% matured in new French and American barriques, the balance in tank. This approach has worked well, with a combination of freshness and complexity of fruit and oak, fine but persistent tannins lengthening the finish. During the journey, black cherry, blackberry and (guess what) dark chocolate have all added to the package.
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A vibrant, peppery Australian red wine with a black plum mantle and warming shawl of mouth-filling flavour. The superb 2013 vintage was ideal for ripening Shiraz. The grapes were selected from vineyards such as War Horse, Johnson Prolific, Bellevue and Bullrush. Finishes with vanilla bean and black pepper. Try with a rack of lamb.
Shiraz food pairings: grilled back ribs with a rich sauce, marinated steaks, dark chocolate, lamb, salmon..
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Pirramimma White Label 2019 Shiraz is a savoury and concentrated McLaren Vale Shiraz, ripe with juicy black plum, dark cherry, violets, mocha, vanilla with cedar brush and cracked black pepper spice plushy on the palate. Grapes were sourced from 30-plus-year-old vines from estate vineyards Ironstone, Katunga, Oakley, Bullrush, Bellevue and Johnston Prolific. Aged in both American and French oak barrels (15% new).
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It fills your mouth with blackberry and coffee-cream flavour, the impression as seamless as it is powerful. Alcohol has been taken in its stride; tannin is like mozzarella, supple, stretchy and melted into the fruit.
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Plum, violet and truffle characters present eagerly at the front door, oak a player but a responsible one. It's creamy in the mouth and generally lively...
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Here’s a delicious, ripe complex and shiraz with all kinds of complexity - brown kalamata olive, prune, sweet oak, meatiness and dried herbs. Its medium-full, very smooth, with fine acidity and tannin. Quite mature already from the coolest Aussie vintage on record. Excellent length. - David Lawrason
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Possessing great flavour and length, the 2011 Shiraz comes highly recommended. Opaque ruby in colour with a touch of red currant, the wine reveals beautiful aromas of mocha, eucalyptus, baked red fruits, smoked game, vanilla and spice. Complex, boasting satisfyingly supple fruit and tannins, mild acidity and a lingering hint of mocha and plums on the finish. Very forward and nicely textured, this will keep for six years or more. Screwcap closure. Now-2020+. - Justin Hitner
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Blackberry, plum, milk chocolate and a light touch of earth are in place, and the flavours are generous and well-rounded...
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Love the dried mint and the fresh cassis to this big but not overly bold McLaren Vale Shiraz. Black pepper and violets characterize the style that dials back the heat a touch to reveal the inner workings and beauty of shiraz. Very good length.
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