Powell and Son Barossa and Eden Valleys Shiraz 2017

Sometimes it’s great to have a reminder of what the Barossa can produce, especially as it seems as though we are drinking more and more Pinot Noir these days. This is delicious drinking and it comes out of the cracking 2017 vintage. A 50/50 spilt of Barossa and Eden Valley fruit with a dark core of dark red and black fruits, with a softness to the mid palate and a surprising amount of finesse to the texture of the wine. It’s entirely hedonistic drinking and will suit people who want to pull the cork immediately and get into it, as the tannin is approachable and the fruit laid out layer upon layer. It’s not heavy, with the Eden Valley component of the wine bringing all the necessary natural acidity to keep it bright and alive. But try to keep some for the cellar if you can – this will go for a long time if you can keep your hands off it. – Ches Cook, FWC.