2015 Shaw and Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz

James Halliday 97 Points

The second release from the close planted Estate vineyard planted in '05, 70% whole bunches, 30% whole berries, open-fermented, matured in French puncheons for 14 months, with a further 14 months in bottle before release. This is an exercise in power, bay leaf staring down any attempt to add red fruits, the tannins of the same ilk, ditto oak. Despite the power, the balance and synergy of the components is undeniable.