Description
The Shiraz vines at Adelina were probably planted circa 1910, no one knows exactly, and the vineyard is sandwiched between two of the Clare’s greatest sites, Wendouree (which lies just 150 metres from Adelina) and the Aberfeldy vineyard.
So this is an undeniable sweet-spot terroir for Shiraz.
The gnarled old vines are now certified organic and grow in red silty soil that sits over a base of clay smattered with limestone and slate.
This soil (and the low yields of these ancient vines) brings both power and mineral freshness.
The fruit for the 2021 was handpicked and de-stemmed and the wine spent 16 days on skins in a concrete fermenter.
It was then pressed into large format oak for malo and maturation for 11 months (less than 20% new).
It’s a stunning example of Clare Shiraz, with all that entails; power, presence and length while still presenting gorgeous freshness.
There’s pepper, violets, pristine blue-black fruit and some charry notes before picking up some spicy richness on the lengthy finish.
Texturally it’s a complete delight, with tongue-hugging graphite-like tannins, voluminous acidity and that silky mouthcoating texture often sought but rarely found in SA Shiraz.
It’s a joy.
My word! Blueberry and blackberry, thyme and wild herb, biscuit and baking spices, maybe some liquorice.
It’s plump and fleshy, impeccable dense, but sweet, ferrous tannin richness, freshness and blue/black fruit, and a long silty tannin finish offering immense satisfaction.
Pulls towards raspberry and bright things in the aftertaste.
Brilliant.
Superb expression of old vine Clare Valley Shiraz.
Will cellar so well, I reckon.
– Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 96 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – Clare Valley, South Australia Vintage – 2021 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.9% Other – Organic
