2010 Mitchell McNicol Shiraz, Clare Valley

The 2010 is now in prime maturity. There's loads of brown spice, dried fruits, fig and date, dark chocolate and the skerricks of blueberry, blackcurrant and green herbs. The palate and bouquet similarly set with these characters, and in the flavour profile, the secondary notes lend great complexity. Tannins feel loose but still lend structure, somewhat emery board in their composition. There's a sense of luxury to this wine, and still life to go for those keen on cellaring. Very good.

95 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Mitchell McNicol Shiraz from Clare Valley is a premium red wine that reflects the essence of this renowned Australian wine region. Produced by Mitchell Wines, a family-owned winery established in 1975, the McNicol Shiraz is a tribute to tradition, showcasing the complexity and depth that comes with patient cellaring and meticulous craftsmanship. Named after the family patriarch, Andrew Mitchell’s father, the McNicol range represents the estate’s most age-worthy and carefully crafted wines.

The Shiraz grapes for McNicol are sourced from low-yielding, dry-grown vines planted in the estate’s finest vineyards in the Clare Valley. The region’s warm days and cool nights, combined with its red loam over limestone soils, create ideal conditions for producing Shiraz with bold flavors, fine tannins, and balanced acidity. These factors contribute to the wine's remarkable structure and ability to age gracefully.

What sets McNicol Shiraz apart is its extended maturation process. Unlike many wines released within a few years of harvest, McNicol Shiraz is held back at the winery and only released after 10 years of cellaring. This approach allows the wine to develop its full spectrum of flavors and achieve a level of integration and complexity that is rare in Australian Shiraz.

In the glass, McNicol Shiraz displays a deep garnet color with brick-red edges, a visual cue to its time in the cellar. The nose is an intricate blend of blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant, layered with secondary aromas of leather, tobacco, earth, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky, with mature fruit flavors complemented by notes of dark chocolate, savory herbs, and cedar. The tannins are soft and well-integrated, leading to a long, elegant finish with hints of spice and minerality.

This Shiraz pairs beautifully with slow-cooked lamb shanks, beef Wellington, or a rich mushroom and truffle risotto. Its complexity also makes it an excellent companion for aged hard cheeses. With its extended aging, McNicol Shiraz is ready to enjoy upon release but will continue to evolve for several more years.