2019 Zema Estate Shiraz, Coonawarra

This fine Coonawarra Shiraz was fermented on skins for ten days before fifteen months in a mix of French and American hogsheads. These Estate wines are absolutely nothing if not fabulous value. The colour here is a near opaque purple. The nose exhibits finely handled oak and the wine oozes purple fruits along with mulberries, chocolate, vanilla, plums and dried herbs. The wine is balanced with finesse and focus, and fine satiny tannins. Very long, this is a ten to fifteen year proposition and a cracker. And by the way, with already five years ageing in the Zema cellars, this is a no brainer. Drink to 2039.

94 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, September 2024

Decent flavour and a bit of spread to the finish; this is a good release from Zema. Redcurrant and plum flavours with mint, cream and woodsy spice. It's medium weight and feels well finessed. Drink to 2032.

91 points Campbell Mattinson for Halliday Wine Companion, July 2023

Deep red with tints of purple and brick while the bouquet reveals spicy, sooty and oaky aromas. A big, bold, and somewhat straightforward shiraz with plenty of tannin and a slight tingle from lively acidity. It's old-fashioned but good and the price is right. Drink to 2033.

89 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, December 2023

Zema Estate is a family affair established in 1982 by Calabrese migrants Francesca and Demetrio Zema. With a focus on the classic red wine styles of Coonawarra, the decades since have seen a steady expansion of vineyards which today cover almost 26 hectares.