I know this sounds bizarre, but have you ever been in a situation where you thought time just stood still? I realise this is not possible, but people say things like this has happened to them in some situations. How about an experience where there was a certain stillness in everything around you, yet what you were doing or feeling seemed like the only thing happening. Has a wine ever done that to you? This one seemed to do it for me. What an amazing wine this is. Grabbing and owning my attention for the whole experience…seriously! That’s not an easy thing to do which says a lot about this wine.
Now, I have to admit to having certain expectations about this wine. I was lucky enough to try the 2016 Tim Stevens Signature (which is a straight Shiraz) and was blown away by it. Add to that the price and I don’t reckon I’d be criticised for having high expectations. Well, after trying it, I am of the view this wine should increase in price commensurate with its quality, just like certain other premium Australian wines.
A beautiful, youthful purple colour of course. Delightful aromas of juicy red and blue fruits, herbs and a pleasant oak influence (not surprising considering the 60% new American oak used for the shiraz) but you can tell this is just a tease for what is in store. ‘Exuberance’ would be the number one way to describe what you find when tasting it. A close second would be luxurious.
It has all the freshness and up front fruit of a young and exciting wine. Abundant black and blue fruits partnering up nicely with the oak providing a balanced and lush feel on the palate. Smooth, suave and sophisticated tannins add to the class of this wine as it shimmies and saunters its way to a terrific length. If you couldn’t tell by my notes, I loved this wine. It seems so complete now (with a bit of air time) yet has a great future as well. The best of both worlds!
Region: Mudgee, NSW Price: $100 Source: Sample thanks to Huntington Estate and Define Wine
Words from a Wine Glass 