While technically just outside of the Adelaide Hills boundary I couldn’t help but slip this wine into the mix. The cool slopes (~400m) of this Eden Valley vineyard provide the fruit for this classic Australian Shiraz. The wine is just starting to get into its’ stride and shake off the restrained shackles of youth. Notes of chocolate, licorice, espresso and blackberries abound. The palate is full bodied with fine-grained tannins and an important acidic lift. The flavours are numerous and ethereal, changing the longer that you leave the wine in the glass. Cool-climate Shiraz making at it’s best. Drink now to 2017.
About the Winery:
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson owns two cool climate vineyards in the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills that go into two separate labels. His namesake “Robert Johnson” comes from a 30-acre vineyard planted primarily to Shiraz and Merlot high in the Eden Valley. The second label is named after his parents “Alan and Veitch” and comes from fruit based high in the Adelaide Hills. This second vineyard is planted primarily to Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Although he admits that “my friends think I’m crazy to grow Merlot”, his Merlot’s are actually wonderful. However, it is the deliberate style of short barrel aged Sauvignon Blanc and delicate cool-climate Eden Valley Shiraz that seem to shine. Robert Johnson produces interesting and thoughtful wines (despite his rockabilly haircut!) that display the subtlety and nuances of the high hills from which they come.
The Region:
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Rating
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