The Laird

In Scottish terminology, ‘The Laird’ refers to the Lord of the Manor.

This single vineyard Shiraz comes from an old vineyard in Marananga, planted in 1958. The five acre vineyard is traditionally dry grown and comes from an original Barossa clonal source. South facing, on the eastern side of a ridge separating the Seppeltsfield and Marananga appellations, these aged vines have been meticulously hand tended, traditionally farmed and pruned by a grower with a lifetime’s experience on Western Barossa soils of very dark, heavy clay loam over red friable clay. The resulting low yields of small, concentrated Shiraz berries make the vineyard the envy of all winemakers in the Barossa.

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Single-vineyard wines that are at the behest and mercy of the seasons are very exciting to view over time. You understand the essence of the style of the wine and the vineyard DNA, so you sit, patiently waiting for the vintages and seasons that meet your personal proclivities to roll around. The 2018 vintage is one of those for Erin Larkin of the 'Wine Advocate' .

The fruit was picked over a variety of picks at optimal ripeness and matured for 36months in new French oak barriques by Dominique Laurent. Eminently red-fruited in the mouth, this 2018 The Laird is reflective of the 2018 season, in that it is pure, fresh, laden with blood plum, saturated in redberries and framed by savory, exotically spiced black tannins. The oak, while a prominent feature of the wine, supports the fruit at all times and assists in extending the flavor through the finish. Thick in the mouth, yet still fresh, there is a moreish quality to this wine. I love it. (It is likely unnecessary to tell you that the wine is incredibly full-bodied. Itis enveloping and huge but wonderful.)

Food pairing

Hearty and rich dishes including Lamb, stews or beef

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Cellaring Suggestions:

Drink from 2028 till 2060

Decanting Suggestion:

3 Hours

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Ratings

97/100 James Suckling

99/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

20++/100 Matthew Jukes

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