Altera Terra

Fidelis Shiraz

• 

  Vintage 2021
  96 points

Altera Terra Fidelis Shiraz 2021 (13.8%, Murrumbateman, McLaren Vale, Pyrenees)
A Burgundy drinker’s shiraz that simply drips with fruit and flavour. Its heady, musky perfume of smoke and spice reveals a deep, expansive core of red, black and blue fruit that continues with vivacious intensity down a smooth, polished palate supported by assertive but measured oak. Underpinned by suggestions of mineral and charcuterie meats, it’s as gentle as it is effortless, finishing smoky and savoury. Proof positive that Australian shiraz doesn’t need half-ripened stalks to look meaningful and contemporary.

• 

  Vintage 2021
  97 points

A different shade of Shiraz here with a multi-regional blend of fruit sourced from Murrumbateman, McLaren Vale and Pyrenees. The rich, expressive entry to the wine grabs your attention. Shades of ripe blueberry, raspberry, pomegranate, vanilla, spice – plenty of spice – and so lifted. The dial turns up a notch or three on the palate, building in layers of flavour and depth, velvety and intense. Retains Murrumbateman’s fluid drive, all red fruited with a touch of spice. The lingering wild bush, peppery and exotic notes come courtesy of the Pyrenees, with McLaren Vale plushness throughout. Oak is there, never prominent. Tannins are beautifully crafted, contributing to the effortless flow of the wine. Fidelis explores a lot of territory, filling every crevice and nook with amazing, sustained flavour.