2022 Thistledown Shiraz Barossa Valley Where Eagles Dare

2022 Thistledown Shiraz Barossa Valley Where Eagles Dare....$69.99
The 2022 Where Eagles Dare Shiraz hails from the Mattschoss vineyard, high up in the Eden Valley. The fruit was handpicked and fermented using indigenous yeasts in a single concrete egg. It was later matured for 12 months in fine-grained French oak, but I believe it is the egg that protects and encourages the clarity of fruit expression on the mid-palate. There are notes of raspberry and raspberry leaf tea, dark chocolate and mulberry, crushed quartz, blood and wilted roses. It's a beautiful wine, lingering and wispy in its way, yet remaining true to its full-bodied capacity. It is billowing and grounded at once. My only, minor quibble, is a slightly drying finish, although it is overtaken by fruit flavor if given the chance. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 1,100 bottles filled.
Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate
The best iteration of this cuvee to date, with a cooler aura to a nose of violet, crushed mace, clove, mossy iodine and dark fruit allusions laced with Sichuan pepper grind, salumi and black olive paste. This is a powerful expression, to be sure. Yet it is surprisingly deft and light on its feet, tucking in the extract nicely behind seams of well managed, gristly tannins. This will age nicely. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. Screw cap.
Rated 95/100 James Suckling
Rated 95/100 The Real Review
Rated 94/100 James Halliday (Aussie Wine Expert)