2020 Longview The Piece Shiraz, Adelaide Hills

This is exceptional. Head and shoulders above the other reds in the quiver. As it is designed, at least from the perspective of intensity, complexity and polished tannins, the latter a confluence of classy oak and massaged grape skins. A nourishing nose of umami-doused beef broth and spiced salumi. Thereafter, Iodine, a sachet of Indian spices, a smear of tapenade, lapsang souchong and star anise, dried and fragrant. Warm-climate tones with cool-climate quakes.

96 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

Longview The Piece Shiraz from the Adelaide Hills is a striking, site driven wine that captures both the cool climate elegance of the region and the raw personality of a single, exceptional block. The Piece comes from a steep, rocky hillside vineyard at Macclesfield, planted on ancient ironstone, quartz and sandy loam soils that naturally restrict vigour and produce intensely flavoured, small berried fruit. Longview is a family owned estate with deep farming roots in the Hills, and this wine reflects their belief in letting vineyard character lead. Hand harvesting, small batch fermentation and careful maturation in French oak allow the site’s spice, structure and energy to shine without excess weight.

The aromatics are bold yet finely detailed. Blackberry, black cherry and dark plum form the core, lifted by cracked black pepper, violet and a distinctly savoury edge. Beneath the fruit lies ironstone earth, dried herbs and a hint of smoked meat that speaks clearly of the rugged hillside soils. With air, notes of clove, anise and dark chocolate emerge, adding depth and intrigue rather than sweetness.

The palate is powerful but controlled. Concentrated dark fruit flows through firm, finely grained tannins that give the wine shape and drive rather than heaviness. Flavours of mulberry, blackcurrant, spice and savoury earth build in layers, supported by bright acidity that keeps the wine fresh and energetic. The finish is long, savoury and mineral edged, leaving echoes of pepper, dark fruit and stone. While impressive now with decanting, The Piece is built to age, evolving beautifully over ten to fifteen years into leather, cured meat and complex spice.

A superb match for chargrilled steak, lamb shoulder, venison, slow cooked beef cheeks, mushroom dishes or aged hard cheeses. This is Adelaide Hills Shiraz with attitude and finesse, unapologetically expressive yet beautifully balanced.