At 11 years of age, this Heathcote shiraz from Wild Duck Creek Estate is in its drinking prime. I come across 15% alcohol levels such as this wine less commonly these days, but a decade ago, desired styles or probably more accurately fashions were a little different. The 2003 Springflat Shiraz has regional characters of plum and eucalyptus, as well as a core that hints at, but never quite resembles, a dry cherry liqueur. This is unashamedly a big and robust wine, but there’s a seamlessness to it that suggests some very good winemaking behind it. The component parts of this wine are in harmony and improved in the glass.
Rating: Good, Abv: 15%, Price: $40s, Vendors: http://www.wine-searcher.com/, Website: http://www.wildduckcreekestate.com.au, Tasted: 2014