Grove Estate Hilltops Shiraz 2020 - In Bond

Stuart McCloskey, tasted 2 October 2026 “A beautifully expressive and perfumed Shiraz. Blueberry compote and ripe blackberry lead the way, joined by violets, clove, anise, white pepper and a lovely savoury, almost sarsaparilla-like spice. With more aeration, deeper notes of black nori begin to emerge. So seductive after an hour in the decanter - or give it 20 minutes in the glass.

The palate is supple, fleshy and wonderfully composed. Layers of blue and black fruits mingle with sour cherry, bramble, anise and peppery spice, while a subtle sappy quality provides a delicious savoury counterpoint. The fruit feels plush and generous, but bright acidity keeps everything fresh and energetic, with fine, beautifully integrated tannins providing shape and gentle grip.

There's real harmony here, and you can both taste and feel the quality of the fruit. Ripeness is beautifully judged; the fruit has depth and sweetness of flavour rather than overt sweetness, framed by a lovely tension between floral perfume, savoury spice and cool, mineral freshness. As it unfurls, the wine becomes increasingly composed and detailed, the fleshy core narrowing gracefully towards a long, finely drawn finish. Violets, dark berries, white pepper and anise linger, joined by a subtle savoury, earthy complexity. Drink now to 2030. Sampled using Zalto Burgundy stemware, which works wonderfully with the wine's aromatics.”