2021 Tomfoolery Artful Dodger Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Deep red with a tint of purple and a classic old-vine northern Barossa shiraz nose of graphite, ironstone, dark chocolate and brown spices, the palate full bodied and rich, fleshy and supple with abundant soft fine tannins and plenty of extract. Oak doesn't show; tannins are beautifully harmonious. A classic shiraz, great now and far into the future. (All northern Barossa. 30% new oak. Three barrels produced) 17 OCT 2023 Drink 2023–2041

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

He was a snub-nosed, flat-browed, common-faced boy enough; and as dirty a juvenile as one would wish to see; but he had about him all the airs and manners of a man, void of taking responsibility or consequences of his mis-doing. The master of his surroundings as Shiraz is the master of ours. 

The Tomfoolery ‘Artful Dodger’ Shiraz is sourced from a premium 80 year old vineyard in the sub-region of Seppeltsfield in Barossa Valley. Grown by 6th generation grape growers the Mattschoss family, this flat site is predominately alluvial loam and red clay over lime and iron stone and situated at 255 metres above sea level.

The fruit is handpicked at optimum ripeness and flavour profile ensuring overall balance before being gently destemmed to keep as many whole berries as possible and then open fermented for a minimum of five days with the juice being pumped over the skins twice daily to maximize oxygenation and purity of fermentation. Once the wine is dry it is then gently basket pressed, minimizing the extraction of harsh extractive tannins.

Matured for 24 months in seasoned French oak barriques.

A core of ruby maturing to brick. Old vine influence shows with satsuma plum and blueberry perfume, wisps of smoke.The palate is full bodied yet elegant, with rich with bramble flavours balanced and sweet spice balanced with refreshing acidity. Soft tannins structure the long, slightly toasty finish.