2021 Skillogalee Trevarrick Shiraz, Clare Valley

From a dry-grown, 1960s-planted vineyard. Big, bold scents of dark chocolate, ripe cherry, raspberry coulis and hazelnuts. Nice start. Effortless in the palate despite some concentration and ripe fruit flavours. Touches of vanilla cream and cinnamon spice. Very even and flows beautifully through a long, sweet finish. Tannins are soft and grip gently through each sip. Well done, here.

94 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Skillogalee Trevarrick Shiraz is a powerful yet composed expression of Clare Valley Shiraz, drawn from the elevated Trevarrick vineyard in the region’s cooler northern reaches. This site sits high above the valley floor, with rocky soils and strong diurnal shifts that slow ripening and preserve natural acidity. The result is Shiraz with depth and intensity, but also freshness, structure and a distinctly savoury edge that sets it apart from warmer valley styles.

Skillogalee is one of Clare Valley’s most respected family run wineries, established in the early 1970s and long admired for wines that balance regional character with longevity. Trevarrick represents the estate’s more serious, cellar worthy Shiraz. Yields are kept low, fruit is harvested at optimal ripeness, and oak is used thoughtfully to frame the wine rather than dominate it. The aim is power with restraint, and a wine that evolves gracefully over time.

In the glass, the wine is dark and brooding, yet aromatic. Blackberry, dark plum and black cherry lead, layered with cracked pepper, licorice and clove. As it opens, savoury notes of dried herbs, graphite and earth emerge, along with subtle floral hints that add lift and complexity.

On the palate, Skillogalee Trevarrick Shiraz is full bodied and structured, but never heavy. Concentrated dark fruit flows through the mid palate, supported by firm, fine grained tannins and bright acidity that give the wine shape and length. Oak is well integrated, contributing spice and polish without sweetness. The finish is long, dry and savoury, lingering with dark fruit, pepper and mineral notes.

This is a Shiraz made for the table and the cellar. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, beef, game, slow cooked dishes or richly flavoured vegetables. While impressive now with decanting, it will reward cellaring over ten to fifteen years, developing deeper savoury, earthy and spice driven complexity.

Skillogalee Trevarrick Shiraz is confident, structured and deeply Clare Valley in character. A serious Australian Shiraz that delivers power, balance and long term appeal in equal measure.