Richard Hamilton Centurion McLaren Vale Shiraz 2019

If this wine was any older, they'd have to start calling it the Ancestor Shiraz – that's how historic the vines are. Planted in 1892, the Centurion Shiraz vines are among the oldest in the world and were acquired by the pioneering Hamilton family in 1947. Situated at the back of the Old Hut Block, the gnarly Shiraz vines are grown in grey loams over old river clay with underlying limestone. The combination of site and old vines produces a lovely elegant yet powerful style of wine. The vineyard is hand pruned and harvested. The climate is moderate and tempered by the cool sea breezes from the Gulf of St. Vincent. Intense aromas and juicy flavours of ripe plums and wild raspberries, with pepper, anise and cloves peeking through. Super fine tannins ride along the medium-bodied palate to a long finish. Gorgeous drinking now; cellaring will add further complexity. The vines only produce on average about 500 dozen bottles a season so it is a privilege to try this treasure at any price. "A big and rich palate on entry, dark fruits and wood-spices meld together forming layers of complexity. . The entire package is power but with precision. 94pts" (Stuart Knox The Real Review).