Three different parcels of young- and old-vine shiraz fruit in the blend, 85% whole bunches, fermented in concrete tulips (P14 went into foudre) and matured for six months before blending. A wonderful, cohesive wine, plush with ripe plum and blackberry fruits yet savoury, layered with spice, blossom and earthen tones, tannins like powdered sand and a crystalline mineral cadence tempering the fruit. Seems very comfortable in its own skin, and it IS delicious.

There’s sweet fruit flavour in the centre; there’s savouriness spreading to all corners. There’s a fair bit going on here and yet it feels cohesive. It tastes of pure blackberry and plum though there’s hay, mint, wet concrete and graphite-like nuances, and both aromatic herbs and smoky reduction too. Everything here feels neat, ordered and in unison. Tannin, particularly once the wine has had a chance to breathe, expands impressively through (what is in essence) a medium weight wine.

The 2023 Kin Shiraz comes almost entirely from Block 23 in the estate vineyard. The block is very rocky with great variation, and it sits atop a ridge. The parcels range from 70% - 100% whole clusters. "We are pretty committed to whole bunch," says Amelia Nolan. This was matured entirely in concrete vessels (six new tulips in time for the 2023 vintage!). The wine is energetic and fresh, powdery textured, gently grippy and fine. It's a lovely wine, pure, driven by clarity. I like it! 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

2023 was a long, cool growing season; from afar, the rain seemed to be never-ending, but vineyards that were able to stay on top of canopies and moisture, did very well. Diligent viticulturists make great wine at the end of the season.