2022 Mystery Adelaide Hills Shiraz Deal No. 71

93 POINTS

Ken Gargett - WinePilot.com

Estate grown fruit from the Adelaide Hills, but the thing that will make the biggest initial impression is the fabulous label. Not for the traditionalist and one doubts that the people at Mouton will come knocking any time soon for their next release, but I loved it. Basket pressing, with French oak in use. Deep maroon colour, this is fresh and floral, with cherries and cranberries, spices and a brief whiff of milk chocolate. Lovely supple texture and very good length with keen balance. Drink now for the next six years. And the best news – the insides provide just as much pleasure as the label.

92 POINTS

Lisa Cardelli - Winepilot.com

Ripe myrtles, blueberries, prunes, dates, sage and thyme open the way. On the palate is an alternation of vanilla and sandalwood, cracked black pepper with blue and black berries. A plush, sweet darling and comforting Shiraz to have with roasted rack of lamb.

92 POINTS

Cassandra Charlick - Winepilot.com

Adelaide Hills, basket pressed and matured in oak. This range of wines is certainly focused on fun. The labels are graced with animal characters that represent the style of the wine in the bottle. In this case, a velvet-robed, spice-trading hippo: one might expect something rotund and weighty. Out of the glass like a jet, the nose is focused and direct. Dark blackberries and skins, a crushed stone minerality, liquorice strap, salted plum and Dutch liquorice, Promite and toasted vanilla bean. The palate is surprisingly lifted, and nubile, mille-feuille-like layers of shimmering acid keep the density of fruit lifted. Tannins are fine but chewy and take their time to build. Perhaps a hippo in a tutu would have been more appropriate? This is a big wine, but its elegance and deftness keep it lighter-framed than one would imagine. An enjoyable Shiraz to drink in its youth.