2013 Charles Melton Grains of Paradise Shiraz Museum Release, Barossa Valley

One of the great wines of the Barossa Valley, not just because of its quality, but also its individuality of style. It is traditionally destemmed, plunged and pumped over, the oak providing the X-factor (plus high quality fruit). American oak is sent to France for 3 years air drying, then coopered using the boiling water method to soften the staves for bending, and only once half-made does it receive any fire toasting. Dargaud and Jaegle are the masters. Just relax and let the glorious black fruits sweep you away. Drink to 2048.

97 points James Halliday for Halliday Wine Companion, July 2021

Deep, developed brick-red colour; the bouquet very oaky and mature, showing development superimposed on lavish oak treatment. Lots of licorice/aniseeed/mint, too. The wine is quite full bodied and the tannins are lean and sinewy, firm and drying at the finish, and there are dominant roasting-pan aromas that evidence considerable age, in a classic Barossa Valley style of shiraz. Drink to 2033.

94 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, March 2023