2020 3 Drops Mount Barker Shiraz, Great Southern

Ex the Patterson Vineyard planted 1982, machine harvested; matured 15 months in French oak (25% new, the balance in one- and two-year-old barrels), bottled August ’21. Bright colour; spice, licorice and blackberry join hands on the palate, tannins locking them together, TA joining in the chorus. Lovely wine. Drink  2023-2035.

95 points Special Value James Halliday Halliday Wine Companion, January 2023

Great Southern Shiraz is one of the region's benchmarks — spiced, perfumed and structured in a way that has more in common with a cool northern Rhône than anything from warmer Australian regions. Three Drops sources this from the Patterson Vineyard, the 1982-planted block southwest of Mount Barker that also produces their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Old vines, cool site, consistent quality.

The 2020 vintage produced a wine of good intensity and weight. Five years on, it has settled into a comfortable mid-life — the primary fruit still present but beginning to develop the savoury, earthy complexity that makes aged Great Southern Shiraz worth seeking out. Matured in quality French oak, the tannins are well-integrated and the structure is holding.

Dark plum and black cherry on the nose, backed by violets, black pepper and a cedary spice. The palate is rich and generous with good depth, fine tannins and a long, satisfying finish. More immediate than it would have been at release, but still with room to go.

Slow-braised lamb, Korean galbi, a spiced beef tagine or hard aged cheese. Built for food and rewarding with it.

Drink now through 2027.