Region: Barossa Valley Grapes: Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro First Glance: Spicy, Red Fruited, Firm Acclaim: 95pts
The Wine: Lifted aromas of red currant, pomegranate, red cherry and red plum. The secondary aromas of spice and earthy, such as clove, star anise, bay leaf and wild thyme add complexity. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a dense core of plush red-berried fruits whilst leaning towards the savoury side. Firm tannins envelope the mouth and provide depth and a plushness with an elongated finish. The 2021 Steading is indicative of the harvest from low yielding old bush vines that produced high quality wines. Pair with game meats poultry or Chinese roast pork. Enjoy at its best from 5-15 years. Serve at 16C.
The Review: Erin Larkin, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate - 95pts "The 2021 The Steading is incredibly sweet on the nose: summer raspberries, blood plums, black cherry, licorice, star anise, some cardamom and chewing tobacco. This offers insane value for money, at around $45AUD, but then, I feel like it has been that price for at least a decade, so it has been an insane value for a long time. This is reliable, delicious, complex, plush/generous and, through the lens of this lovely cool vintage, a superstar. The best yet."
