Dowie Doole Winemakers Reserve Shiraz 2022

96 POINTS

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

The enticing bouquet shows dark-fruit richness, smoked meat, liquorice, vanilla, and cedar notes, with a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is concentrated and plush, splendidly supported by beautifully melded tannins, finishing long and sumptuous.

94 POINTS

Ken Gargett - Winepilot

The fruit here comes from the California Road Vineyard in the McLaren Vale sub-region of Tatachilla (yes, technically McLaren Vale does not have strictly defined sub-regions according to regulations, so we are talking in general – small “s” sub-regions, if you prefer). The vineyard was planted in the year 2000, and maturation was in American oak hogsheads for three years, half of which were new. Dark red/maroon in hue, there is still lashings of oak in the process of integration, as one might expect. The nose also gives us notes of chocolate, coffee beans, mocha, cocoa powder, blackberries, dried herbs, cloves and leather, while the palate has a sweet core of that chocolate and touches of vanilla. Seamless on the palate through to sleek tannins, there is good length here. Quite a plush and generous style which will provide much pleasure over the next ten to twelve years, longer if you have the patience, though I'd be inclined to give it three to four years before opening, just to give that oak a chance to finish integrating.

94 POINTS

Campbell Mattinson - Halliday Wine Companion

"Resiny oak exerts a clear influence, and the integration of fruit and tannin isn't as seamless as it is with some of its siblings, but this is still pretty impressive. Ample plum/toast/clove/musk flavours with creamy mouthfeel and good length."

93 POINTS

Ken Gargett - Winepilot

Very much a typical McLaren Vale Shiraz from a good vintage, there is much that impresses. The colour is a dark maroon. On the nose we have notes of chocolate and vanilla, mocha and mulberries, coffee beans and licorice, and an array of black fruits. The oak is well integrated and has left us with a seamless and supple structure, attractively plush. A fine line of acidity runs the length, which is extensive. The wine finishes with sleek tannins. Enjoy over the next ten to twelve years.

93 POINTS

Jeni Port - Winepilot

Very much a typical McLaren Vale Shiraz from a good vintage, there is much that impresses. The colour is a dark maroon. On the nose we have notes of chocolate and vanilla, mocha and mulberries, coffee beans and liquorice, and an array of black fruits. The oak is well integrated and has left us with a seamless and supple structure, attractively plush. A fine line of acidity runs the length, which is extensive. The wine finishes with sleek tannins. Enjoy over the next ten to twelve years. 93.