A mix of gnarly, old Shiraz partnered with youthful, exotic and fragrant white varieties. The Shiraz offers a nose brimming with dark, earthen fruits, woody spices and rich blackberry aromas. Viognier adds fragrance in the form of apricot, ginger and florals, Roussanne delivers an exotic, dried almond and papaya note, and the Marsanne contributes pistachio and yellow stonefruit.
The palate is generous, with layers of fruit characters that ebb and flow through the entire length. The tannin structure is unique, thanks to the mingling of red and white phenolics. The rustic, chunky, mid-palate Shiraz tannins are tempered by the lusciousness of the white varieties, the finish enhanced by the addition of fragrant, flowery tannins, mainly on account of the Viognier and more nutty, walnut skin texture, from the Roussanne.
A complex and alluring wine that evolves in the glass. So much individual character and much to take in, but somehow we are left with a sense of harmony between the old bloke and the three young blondes.