2021 Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier - Murrumbateman NSW

Don't be surprised if you are thinking about this wine long after the first sip. It builds in layers. Childhood memories of Satsuma plums, blueberries and a whiff of white pepper. A palate of blackberries and cherries, fine chewy tannins. Decant or cellar, your choice. Yum.

If you are not drinking or collecting this wine...why not?

There will be a day when you look back at these prices and think what a bargain. This wine is cult, it sells out at cellar door virtually on release. And 2021 is his best vintage yet. My words not his.

"It’s back and looking amazing. From the first of a trio of cooler years we see more spice and savoury notes. Two years in production with the second in large seasoned French oak foudre.

Darker more brooding than previous vintages red black in colour the nose is a potpourri of vanilla, black cherries, black pepper and blackberries. For want of a better description the palate is “Divine” with rich blackberries and blueberries dancing over firmish tannins and flavours that go for days. Wonderful length. Drink at 5-15 years you won’t be sorry. Braises and roasted red meats work beautifully as does a ragu or a middle eastern lamb shawarma.

"From the organic farmed estate vines of the Martin family in Murrumbateman. Matured in old puncheons and foudre.

Oh, beautiful. With concentration but coolness. Like a chamomile tea-soaked flannel on the eyes after too much sun. Red fruit, ripe and rich in the mix, floral lift, meadow herbs and fennel with gentle cinnamon spice notes – wonderful characters for scents and flavours. It feels sleek and lengthy, gentle but with a building framework of fine tannin lacing it all together. Superb."

95 Points - Mike Bennie - The Wine Front