2017 Gemtree Obsidian Shiraz Biodynamic, McLaren Vale

Gemtree was founded when the Buttery family planted its beloved Shiraz in McLaren Vale four decades ago. The Obsidian Shiraz is a family treasure and indulgence. It is hand crafted - grapes are nurtured in the vineyard before the cream of the crop is hand selected and vinified separately. The 2013 is a great effort. Showing complex array of both the red and black spectrum of fruits. Olive, violets, mulberry chocolate, mocha all provide the complex framework that gives the impression that this wine will be a pleasure for the palate. The aroma is a true reflection of the diversity of palate. At a modest 14% alcohol the entry to the mouth is graceful. Delicious, soft and mouth-filling with lighter red fruits like gogi berries and black fruit flavours like blackberry evident. The palate is balanced, seamless, and displays beautifully crafted oak, acid and tannin. 97 pts – JHalliday ‘After 24 months maturation, best barrel selection results in only 1% of Gemtree's shiraz production selected for this wine. It announces itself with a roll of thunder on the bouquet, the darkest of black fruits and anise of the bouquet, the full-bodied palate with a dusting of bitter chocolate. Despite this naked power, the wine has remarkable balance, length a given.’ $70/14%/2048