98 Points - Tony Love
The Koomilya wines are made by Stephen Pannell; one of Australia's leading winemakers. Awarded the 2014 Jimmy Watson Trophy, Pannell has also been listed as one of the 50 most influential contributors to the world of wine by Decanter Magazine.
This 2017 Koomilya McLaren Vale Shiraz represents the third release of this wine that is sourced from a single block (GT block), which is in the middle of the Koomilya vineyard. A wonderful example of McLaren Shiraz, this is aromatic with blackberry, bramble and liquorice notes leaping out of the glass.
Cool on entry with a nice flow of dark fruit to the back of the palate where tannins kick in, supple and supportive. The backbone of acidity keeps all in check. Mid weight with loads of appeal, this is another stunning release from Koomilya.
"98 Points. From one small section (known as the GT block) of a prized vineyard in the Upper Tintara subregion of McLaren Vale, now in the hands of Steve Pannell. 16% whole bunch, wild ferment, 20% new oak in the maturation cycle. This is a most distinctive shiraz in the greater regional context, exuding a powerful mix of black fruits with the smells of Australian bush enveloping the fruits. The palate is dense, not with oak but with rich, savoury licorice and definite earthy, mossy, roasted root vegetable notes in there as well. And with all that, there's still a medium-bodied flow through the mouth. Which should be open in awe at the exit because of how astoundingly good this wine is!. $70. 14% alc. Drink by 2030. Screwcap"- Tony Love, Halliday Wine Companion 2022.
"95 Points. Blackberry, liquorice, rock pool and oyster shells, warm scents of polished wood with a little nougat and sizzled sage leaf in tow. Medium-bodied, kind of wants to be full-bodied, but keeps itself sensible. Blackberry and raspberry coulis, but then something of a veal with capers and black olives savoury thing happening (don’t mind me), tannin is supple and has a sort of wool feel, and the finish is earthy and saline, and satisfyingly long. Distinctive. It recalls that comforting feeling of reading a favourite book for the second (or third) time in your favourite chair. Lovely. Tasted: Oct20 14% alc. $70 Screwcap Drink: 2020 - 2030+"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
