Winemaker Notes
Deep dark ruby in color. Aromatically the wine shows vibrant, controlled notes of dark plums, chocolate and a touch of spice which sit alongside subtle, brief glimpses of fountain pen ink and a hint of bright mineral lift on the back end. On the palate the dark plum and chocolate notes re-emerge providing an intense depth of flavor whilst retaining a sense of control and balance as the wine moves through. A superfine tannin frame provides a clear line of travel. A coiled tension in its youth that will release a touch as the wine ages allowing it to show more of itself to the drinker.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Ripe but still-juicy strawberry and plum preserves are in the fore on this big-boned but finessed wine. Spicy cedar wood, violet, chocolate and a gentle earthy, pepper spice trail behind. The palace is round in shape with silky, pleasantly plump berry fruit and well-placed spiced tannins. More characterful that many of this brands others reds, this is still young so a decanter and protein is vital if drinking now, otherwise cellar until around 2024, then drink until another eight to ten years beyond that.
-
Wine Spectator
Salted caramel and almond brittle notes add a sweet and savory note to the thick, ripe kirsch and raspberry puree flavors that are generous and intense, with plenty of concentration on the finish.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Narrow Road Vineyard Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon is lean and dry—leaner and drier than I would have attributed to the lush season that bore the fruit. It is composed of 66% Shiraz and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon from the Narrow Road vineyard. It offers black cherry jam, aniseed, black pepper, layers of balsamic strawberries and black tannin. It feels rich and high-octane. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
The Barossa Zone encompasses the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Some of the oldest vines in Australia can be found here.
Barossa Valley of course is the most important and famous wine growing region in all of Australia where 140+ year-old, dry-farmed Shiraz vines still produce inky, purple and dense juice for some of Australia's best wines.
In the cooler, wetter Eden Valley sub-region, the Hill of Grace vineyard is home to famous Shiraz vines from the 1800s but the region produces also some of Australia’s very best and age-worthy Rieslings.