Craiglee from Sunbury in Victoria produce perhaps the longest standing paradigm expression of cool climate Australian shiraz. At its best, its closest analogues are Saint Joseph reds from the northern Rhône Valley in France, but a little less peppery and syrah from Hawkes Bay in New Zealand, but a little less “green”. The 2018 vintage from Craiglee has aromas of clove, cracked pepper and menthol underneath. The palate is medium bodied, the oak integration harmonious and the pepper and clove characters carry through. The length on the finish is long and subtle, and the wine continues to unfurl with time in the glass. This is a classical style of cool climate Australian shiraz that is drinking well now. Review Rating: Very Good (★★★★, 90 points). Website: Craiglee Vineyard. Tasted: August 2024.
