2018 Laughing Jack Carl Albert Shiraz

95 POINTS

Tyson Stelzer - Halliday's Wine Companion

Hand-picked fruit from single 1.6ha estate vineyard Moppa Block 4 at 375–400m elevation, the highest vineyard in western Barossa. Organic practices. Wild fermented initially, with 8% whole bunches; hand plunged and basket pressed. Matured 20 months in 30% new and 48% seasoned French oak hogsheads and 22% seasoned French oak barriques. Uunfined and unfiltered. 127 dozen. There is a delightful detail here uncharacteristic of the far western Barossa, with a lifted violet air and layers of mixed spice. This high site also lends a measured tone to the palate, streamlined, focused and guided equally by energetic natural acidity and fine-boned, powdery, well-controlled tannins. Great potential.