Rewrapped: Shiraz 2018 – Winter is Coming #49420

The 2018 vintage was exceptional in McLaren Vale, producing wines with remarkable concentration and balance. This particular shiraz benefits from grapes grown on ancient Pirramimma sandstone soils that are up to 2 million years old, which provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The combination of ideal vintage conditions and these unique geological foundations has resulted in a wine that earned James Halliday's prestigious 95-point rating.

Pirramimma sandstone, formed over millions of years, creates a distinctive terroir that imparts mineral complexity and enhances the wine's aromatic intensity. These ancient soils provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the vines, resulting in concentrated fruit flavours and the wine's signature notes of plum, violet, and blackcurrant. The geological influence contributes to the wine's full-bodied structure and the complex interplay between fruit and earthy undertones.

This rich, full-bodied shiraz pairs beautifully with robust dishes that can match its intensity and complement its dark fruit and spice profile. Consider slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, grilled ribeye steak, or aged hard cheeses like vintage cheddar. The wine's notes of dark chocolate and coconut also make it an excellent companion to barbecued meats with smoky marinades or rich game dishes like venison.

Store this shiraz in a cool, dark place at around 12-15°C to preserve its complex aromatics and full-bodied structure. Serve at 16-18°C to allow the rich plum and cherry pie notes to fully express themselves. Consider decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving to enhance the wine's aromatic profile and soften any tannins, allowing the violet and tobacco leaf characteristics to emerge more prominently.

A 95-point Halliday rating places this shiraz in the 'outstanding wine of exemplary quality and character' category, representing less than 5% of wines reviewed. Halliday's recognition highlights the winemaker's attention to detail and the exceptional quality of this single vineyard expression. This rating indicates the wine demonstrates perfect varietal character, excellent balance, and the potential for graceful ageing, making it a standout example of premium McLaren Vale shiraz.