Greenock Creek Alice's Block Shiraz 2023

The vineyard sits on a fascinating geological foundation of ancient slaty siltstone mixed with dark brown clays and loam, planted in 1997. This unique soil composition creates a beautiful duality in the wine - the siltstone contributes midpalate spiciness and savoury tannins, while the brown clay delivers rich chocolate and mocha notes. You can literally taste the earth's history in every glass, showcasing how terroir directly translates into flavour complexity.

While Barossa is famous for powerful, fruit-driven Shiraz, Alice's Block offers remarkable elegance alongside its concentration. The ferrous-edged, powdery tannins and velvety flow create a more refined expression than many regional examples. The 95-point Halliday rating reflects this exceptional balance - it's got the region's signature intensity but with sophisticated structure that sets it apart from more straightforward Barossa styles.

The wine's food-friendly nature stems from its balanced tannin structure and complex flavour profile spanning dark fruits, spice, and chocolate notes. The savoury tannins and midpalate spiciness make it excellent with grilled red meats, while the mocha and raspberry elements complement dishes with earthy mushrooms or rich sauces. Its full-bodied nature can handle robust flavours without being overwhelmed.

As a 2023 vintage with serious concentration and complex tannin structure, this Shiraz offers immediate drinking pleasure but has excellent cellaring potential. The powdery tannins and elegant flow suggest it will develop beautifully over 8-12 years, with the fruit and spice elements integrating further. Young Barossa Shiraz of this calibre typically rewards both early consumption and patient cellaring.

Ferrous-edged tannins refer to a mineral, almost metallic quality that adds complexity and structure to the wine. This characteristic often comes from iron-rich soils and creates a distinctive backbone that prevents the wine from being overly soft or jammy. Combined with the powdery texture, these tannins provide grip and length on the palate while maintaining elegance, contributing to the wine's serious, age-worthy character.