Ranked #15 of 50 2011 Shiraz from Barossa Valley
91/100
4 Stars
Huon Hooke
Very deep, dark, dense red colour with purple and black tinges. Smoky, earthy and sooty aromas, savoury and most certainly not fruity. The tannins dominate the palate, which is very dry, grippy and savoury, demanding time and patience. Does it have the requisite fruit? A good wine, but rather tannic. Merely a good RWT, but well below the level of the 2010.
Tasted: 19/02/2014
Drink: 2017 to 2031
93.5 Points Robert Parker
Aged in 51% new oak, all of which is French, the deep purple-black colored 2011 RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz reveals a gorgeous, black fruit and warm blueberry nose enhanced by violets and pepper notes with hints of tree bark and earth. Medium to full-bodied with a great amount of expressive flavor framed by firm, grainy tannins, the oak pokes out a bit on the long finish. Drink 2015 to 2028+.
Source: Robert Parker (eRobertParker.com) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. February, 2014
92 Points James Halliday
A spicy, savoury, tangy and elegant variation on the RWT style, true to the season. It's led by firm, finely structured tannins and astringent acidity, underlined by dark chocolate French oak (51% new). There's gamey, peppery character here, without the focus or integrity of the great vintages, though a sound result for the '11 season. Drink to 2026.
Source: James Halliday. January, 2014
92 Points Tyson Stelzer
Without the focus or integrity of the great vintages, this is nonetheless a sound result considering the season. Surprisingly deep, vibrant purple in hue, it''s an elegant and tangy release of gamey, peppery, savoury, spicy, charcuterie character, underlined by dark chocolate and led by firm, finely structured tannins and vibrant, sour acidity that lends an astringency at this young age. Matured for 12 months in 51% new and 49% one-year-old French oak hogsheads. Available 1 May 2014. Drink 2021 - 2026.
Source: Tyson Stelzer.
Aged in 51% new oak, all of which is French, the deep purple-black colored 2011 RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz reveals a gorgeous, black fruit and warm blueberry nose enhanced by violets and pepper notes with hints of tree bark and earth. Medium to full-bodied with a great amount of expressive flavor framed by firm, grainy tannins, the oak pokes out a bit on the long finish. Drink 2015 to 2028+. Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) February, 2014 by Lisa Perrotti-Brown