McLaren Vale
TASTING NOTE
The 2023 McLaren Vale Shiraz displays a deep, inky crimson core with vibrant purple hues at the rim, hinting at its youthful intensity. Aromas are layered and captivating, featuring ripe blackberry, dark plum, and mulberry, interwoven with subtle violet, dark chocolate, and hints of exotic spice.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, revealing layers of concentrated dark fruits, fine-grained tannins, and a silky, persistent texture. Notes of mocha, licorice, and gentle pepper spice add complexity, leading to a long, refined finish. This Shiraz exemplifies
McLaren Vale’s richness and depth, promising both early enjoyment and rewarding cellaring.
RRP $50
8 day open ferment with regular pump overs. 20% as whole bunches. Wild yeast. 20 months in new (50%), 1 year old (25%) and 2 year old (25%) French oak. Bottled without fining or filtration. Vegan friendly.
Ideal with bold, flavourful dishes: grilled rib-eye, slow-braised lamb shoulder, or pepper-crusted venison. Pair with mature cheeses, roasted root vegetables, and a touch of dark chocolate.
95 points – Sam Kim (Wine Orbit)
“Wonderfully fruited and enticing, the wine shows blackberry, star anise, vanillin oak, rich floral, and dark chocolate characters on the nose. It’s equally impressive in the mouth, delivering terrific weight and plush texture, beautifully framed by silky tannins, making it sumptuous and deliciously appealing.”
93 points – Steve Leszczynski (QWine Reviews)
“Dense and muscular on opening, the Frank Ernest is the flagship of the Three Dark Horses label, a tribute to their grandfather. Wild yeast fermented with 20% whole bunches, it sees French oak (50% new) for 20 months. Dark chocolate, stewed berries, blackberries and plums are the main players delivered with a generous yet measured intensity. A Shiraz with comforting appeal, the use of whole bunches has certainly added some oomph. Dark chocolate sits at the core and cloves rise up late with an array of woodsy spices and five-spice scattered about. Sleeves of sandy tannins reach out on a long finish and dry out ever so slowly. It’s a wine that showed better with some time in the glass over a couple of days of tasting. Be sure to decant to have it singing and soften those edges. Age will not weary it, that’s for sure.”