2022 Lloyd Reserve Shiraz
2022 Lloyd Reserve Shiraz
"A wine of true power and finesse. A cauldron of bubbling mulberries, sandalwood, caraway and blue fruit too. There is cocoa pods and liquorice root all wrapped in a silk stocking of fine tannins. These ancient vines tell their story with sturdy whispers and haunting song, lasting memories that stay with you and on the tip of your tongue. The forestry of nearby ghost gums and dried fallen leaves transports you. Oak supports here in an appropriate way; it’s embedded in the layers of fruit. A wine that will move you. Drink now–2037. 96 points"
Shanteh Wale, The Vintage Journal
"Bold, rich and tight, like it's been shrinkydinked into a tiny package and is about to be released like a vinous, virtuous Pandora's box into the atmosphere. Super-concentrated with black cherry, bramble and blackberry fruit with vanilla oak and hints of classic car interior leather. A precise, creamy and lush texture like melted chocolate but in a savoury frame, tempered by silky tannins and flavour that goes on and on. A special wine now that will only improve in bottle. 96 points"
Melissa Moore, The Real Review
"From original estate vines that are over 100 years old; matured in French oak, with 25% new. This is dripping in dark fruits and spice, a cohort of blackberry, dark plum, olive, anise, pumpernickel, bitter chocolate, cured meat, black pepper and demi-glace. Impactful, powerful, though not overbearing with it, the oak internal framework, not facade. 95 points"
Marcus Ellis, Wine Companion
"Here’s a deep, powerful and ferrous expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Blackberry, hazelnut, dark chocolate, black olive and mint. It’s thick and ferrous, all the black olive and ironstone things, savoury but plump in sweet dark fruit, praline, sooty and firm, with a bold and nutty black fruit finish of superb length. Quite something. 95 points"
Gary Walsh, The Winefront
"A shiraz of depth, power and impressive precision. Palate-staining dark fruit, licorice, kirsch and smoked meats. There is ample oak, and yet despite the tannic mettle and powerful extract, this is a wine of considerable poise and grace. In other words, it doesn't feel heavy. Superb length and glimpses of the many layers as they unravel with each visit back to the glass. Best after 2028. 95 points"
Ned Goodwin MW, JamesSuckling.com