2014 Moppity Escalier Shiraz, Hilltops

The second release of Moppity's flagship wine from a single block, co-fermented with 2% viognier, matured in new and used French puncheons for 36 months. There's no room for argument about a wine that received six gold medals, the most recent from the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge '17, earlier from Melbourne and NSW Wine Awards. The viognier has disappeared into the voluminous folds of black fruits.

96 points James Halliday Wine Companion

This is flatteringly classy; the gorgeous bouquet shows dark fruit, game, cedar, cocoa, violet and black olive characters, followed by a concentrated palate that is superbly fruited and multi-layered. The wine is dramatic and engaging with hedonistic complexity and sensual mouthfeel, leading to an extremely long, velvety finish.

97 points Sam Kim Wine Orbit