JC's Own Greenock Shiraz 2019 - In Bond

97 – 98 Points - Stuart McCloskey “Oh, I do like this – very much… This shows JC’s work perfectly. Respect the power, but delivery with elegance – amen to that. The tannins are wonderfully resolved. In all honesty, I skipped sniffing and dived straight in – sorry! The fruit exudes minerals, the clarity is impressive. There’s a sweet-spice-laced character to the damson and boysenberry. Violets too. Reflect for a minute or two and I am left with a summary of pastille fruits, lavender, violet and spice cake which our Mothers and Grandmothers would make. This is concentrated but in a pared back sense, wonderfully pure, sensual with tannins that flow in ribbons of silk. Masterful work and undoubtedly a brilliant wine. This is a keeper and should spend 5-8 years in the cellar to achieve maximum satisfaction. Decanted for 3-4 hours. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.”

Winemakers Note: I cut my winemaking teeth in the heavy red soils of the north west of the Barossa, where Greenock is the jewel of the crown in my opinion. My winery is here, the pub does a good burger and by chance there’s some pretty good shiraz vineyards knocking about.
A few vintages ago I came across a vineyard just on the north of the Greenock township that hides behind some big gum trees. It runs down a small hill facing east, with lean soils, cooler afternoons, tiny yields, small berries - how asleep had I been to drive past this vineyard for several years? But I’m definitely alert now!
I like shiraz that is big on fruit intensity but is more supple and svelte on the palate, powerful yet velvety, structured but sensual - I could go on but I think I’ve conveyed my point.
So, this is a rare single site treat from my part of the world and a true connection to my beginnings in making wine.