Greenock Creek wines always present themselves as intensely concentrated examples of their particular slice of the western Barossa. Initially, there is a quick blast of blackberry pastille in this year's release, which gives way to opulent blackberry and cherry fruits with hints of baking spices, dark chocolate-dipped raspberries and pressed purple flowers. If you peer deep into the distance, there are some liminal leathery/mahogany notes, too, wrapping the ripe, long tannins in a warm embrace. As always, mighty impressive stuff.
Rated 95/100 James Halliday
The nose on the 2021 Alices Shiraz leads with resin, bramble, nettle and mint. The palate is closed and flat; I have opened a second bottle, and this is significantly better. Gone is the nettle nose and metallic palate. The second bottle of the 2021 Alices Shiraz is full of plum, mulberry and raspberry jam—it is juicy, opulent and squishy in the mouth versus chalk and cheese with the first bottle. This is a full-throttle Shiraz here, with earthy underpinnings and a profusion of tannin. It is warm, ripe and abundant. The 2021 season has imbued this wine with life and energy. It was in 5% new French, with the balance matured in seasoned American oak. 15.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
Rated 90/100 Wine Advocate
