- McLaren Vale, SA - $16-$24
- Screwcap (Stelvin-Lux)
- 14.9%alc
The combined efforts of Scott Collett (viticulture) and Ben Glaetzer (winemaking), Woodstock's Shiraz is one wine that's clearly capable of over delivering under the right conditions. The deliciously smooth, chocolatey, very regional 2004 (92pts) proved this point admirably, but ensuing vintages haven't been quite so kind.
Although perhaps a shade ripe and a touch high in alcohol (website says 15.4% - bottle 14.9%), the most dominant aroma within Woodtsock's 2010 is a rather blunt, constrictive whiff of biscuity, chocolatey American oak. Sitting well beneath the wood, its fruit is an ultra-ripe and dark expression of the McLaren Vale style, resembling a combination of blackberries, currants, licorice and tar, however, it's far from bright or fragrant. The palate redeems itself somewhat with a smooth, silky entry, but its initially plush red and black plum skin flavours break down towards the finish, where it shows hard, chunky, blocky aspects and a lingering suggestion of prune-like fruit. It'll probably settle down over the next 12 months but it's hardly a ringing endorsement of the potential of McLaren Vale's 2010 vintage.
O Having taken in all the fuss surrounding the promise of South Australia's 2010 vintage, I had high hopes for this wine. Unfortunately, my optimism has been shot, as Woodstock's 2010 Shiraz is little more than a simple, oaky, ultra-ripe BBQ red to be enjoyed with friends. That's where the bottom half of this bottle will end up tomorrow... Drink 2013-2016.
87 points
Don't give up on 2010 in SA just yet Chris ;) Having said that, it's the Yarra Valley that's captured my attention in terms of '10 releases so far.
ReplyDeletecheers,
j
Don't worry, I'm probably at least 100 more bottles away from giving up ;)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely liking some of the Yarra's 2010 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases too, but I still hold very high hopes for oncoming Coonawarra cabernet and McLaren Vale shiraz as well...
Cheers,
Chris P