2015 Mystery McLaren Vale Shiraz Deal No. 6132

96 POINTS

Marcus Ellis - Halliday Wine Companion

Museum release. This is selected from Andrew (Ox) Hardy’s favourite rows of the oldest vines on the family vineyard, which also happen to be the second oldest, by a whisker, in the Vale. Fermented in open vats, this was plunged thrice daily, before nearly two years in older French barriques. Whether from the older vines, or those more youthful, the Upper Tintara vineyard shines through. Released with a decade under its belt, this is in a fine place, with tertiary notes knitting into and enhancing the ferrous site signature. Black fruits, blueberries and plums, ground pepper, anise and caraway, pressed violets. It feels so of place, unhurried in elaboration and naturally given the chance to relax.

96 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

One ton of fruit was handpicked from the Ancestor Vine Block (in the Upper Tintara vineyard, in Blewitt Springs) on February 19, 2015—the earliest vintage on record, and the earliest pick since 2008. The fruit was destemmed, chilled, fermented in 2.5-ton open-top fermenters and hand-plunged thrice daily; post fermentation, it was basket pressed to French oak (33% new) for nearly two years of élevage. Aromatically, the 2015 1891 Ancestor Vines Shiraz leads with autumn leaves, turned earth, crushed rocks and roasted meat crust. In the mouth, the wine is elegant, medium-bodied and silty, with purple fruits, aged leather, lotus leaf and peat. There's a lot to be said for the decision to hold this wine back prior to release; the oak is evident, yet it feels integrated and grounded at this point, 10 years from harvest. This wine feels sedate, languid and comfortable in its skin and just gearing up for a long life in front of it. It's a lovely wine, one that is getting fresher the longer it sits in my glass. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.