A deceiving light to mid-ruby, this shiraz has the youthful allure and aroma of high quality pinot, once called 'Hunter River Burgundy'. Soaring bing cherry and wild strawberry notes, scented further with lilac and creamy kirsch, belie the gentle hue. Medium of weight, precise of detail and yet, imperious of vinosity and length, this makes for a compelling contrast to the Vat 9. The latter, sturdy and fidelitous to type; this, hedonistic and utterly delicious out of the gates. From plantings dating to 1879. Ned Goodwin MW for James Halliday