“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.” I found this quote from Oscar Wilde quite interesting. It suggests a willingness to be patient, but not endlessly so. Some wines reward early drinking while others ask for time, and then there are those crafted for both the present and the years ahead. Oscar Wilde’s words speak to the quiet devotion of patience, the belief that something truly worth experiencing will arrive in its own time. And when it does, it will be worth every moment. The 2020 Pauletts 109 Reserve Shiraz is firmly in this camp.
Region: Clare Valley, SA Price: $120 Source: Generous Gift
When I poured this wine into the glass, it showed presence and purpose. The deep, dense red colour, then the dark fruit aromas, spoke volumes. This was off to a special start. Ripe dark berries dominate the palate, complemented by licorice notes and a touch of spice. The tannins are a little grippy and obvious, but let’s face it, this is built for the long haul, and that’s what it’s telling you. It was certainly the message I got because on the third day of tasting this wine, it had settled down very nicely indeed into a lush and sumptuous wine. Crafted as a tribute to Neil Paulett, the 109th graduate of Roseworthy College, this wine carries the weight of Neil’s experience and the confidence of his legacy. Let it rest. Let it speak in its own time. It will. Just be patient.
Words from a Wine Glass 