Standish 'The Relic' Shiraz Viognier 2024

The 2024 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier comprises 2% Viognier (destemmed, co-fermented with the Shiraz on top). Aromatically, the wine leads with red apples and cherry blossom, cranberry, pomegranate and apricot flowers. This is floral, with rose petals and violets, all of it set against the backdrop of black fruit. Freshness abounds here. In the mouth, the wine is silky, the tannins ferrous and profuse and the length typically long. This is very fine in its shape and monumentally powerful but chalky too. It is very impressive. 14.9% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax.98 pts, Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate Drink 2026 – 2039