97 Points Misc

Named in honour of Alexander Campbell Johnston, pioneer and founder of Pirramimma, the man who first planted grapes in this region in 1892. In other words, a man to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude. The estate is still in family hands, Geoff being 3rd generation. Previous vintages have been a blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and petit verdot. This latest incarnation is 83% cabernet from the contoured Basket Wave vineyard and 17% petit verdot from the Katunga vineyard. This is basically opaque. Gloriously fragrant, there is coiled power here, but that can’t hide the alluring aromas and flavours – dark chocolate, vanilla bean, blackberries, mocha and coffee bean notes. Cloves and olives too. Power yes, but so well balanced that an elegance pervades throughout. Immaculate oak integration with real focus and balance. This wine has the silkiest tannins of all the wines in the range. This is a cracker in every sense. Drink 2024 - 2035.
Ray Jordan, Winepilot.