2020 Laughing Jack Moppa Hill Block 6 Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Shiraz (clone 1654) from a single vineyard in Moppa Hill in the northwestern Barossa Valley; matured in French oak (18% new) for 20 months. Calm and composed, this savoury-leaning shiraz shows deep, ripe blackberry and dark plums fruits on a bed of baking spices, dark chocolate, olive tapenade, licorice and earth. It sports a powdery tannin grip and a sense that all the individual components are on the same page, finishing with impressive sustain.

95 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

This superb single-vineyard Shiraz is sourced from a six-acre plot that was replanted in 2001. Sadly, the original 1912 vineyard was ripped out in the mid-1980s thanks to the SA government’s now-notorious vine pull scheme. Here in the Moppa sub-region the grapes grow on sandier soils than in Greenock (a mere 2km away as the crow flies) producing more perfumed wines with finer tannins. This release is no exception and, if you get the chance, it’s worth tasting alongside Laughing Jack’s Greenock Shiraz from the same year to see an example of sub-regional difference in the Barossa.

A medium deep, ruby red, this has red and black fruits to go, with a little liquorice and some attractive floral notes. On the palate, this ripe and perfectly balanced wine has persistent yet silky tannins meaning it can be enjoyed now or kept for at least another seven to 10 years plus.