Paul Osicka

Majors Creek Vineyard Shiraz

• 

  Vintage 2017
  94 points The Wine Front

Shows deep and dark, licked by gum leaf and green herb, smooth and plush in texture. It’s a hedonistic wine but holds its shape, drawn long on emery board tannins and luxurious in its palate staining way. Perfume is rich, flavours are too, balance is all there, however, and a sense of freshness and drinkability is at ease. There’s plenty to chew on here, depth and width, lushness and seriousness. It’s a potent, winter-warming style, but finds an excellent groove.

• 

  Vintage 2019
  95 points Halliday Wine Companion

Hand picked in separate parcels according to soil type, fermented separately in small open pots, 3–4 weeks on skins, maturation in French oak (20% new) prior to blending. The maker reported low yields from small bunches and tiny berries in 2019, evident in the concentration of fruit flavour here. The big man, Simon Osicka, delivers nuance like few others, the juxtaposition of black cherry and fennel here, the dollop of lilting spice and anise there, and all the while a quiet, driving power and intensity, but also elegance. A wine for contemplation in a COVID-weary world.