The pathways of the two Burge winemakers in the Barossa Valley could not be more different. Grant Burge's mantra since the 1980s was growth, growth, growth. Some of his wines are excellent, some are just plonk. In contrast, Rick Burge stuck to the home block in Lyndoch, from which he produces a couple of single vineyard wines, quite hard to find. Authenticity is perhaps his mantra.
The 2012 Burge Draycott Shiraz is full-bodied, with red and black plum flavours dominant. This is a generous wine from a good vintage, and a classic example of Barossa Shiraz except perhaps that the ageing took place in French oak as opposed to American more common in classical Barossa wine.
The wine has a big mouthfeel, and is quite smooth. It takes the 14.5% alcohol well. But perhaps times have moved on, and we are demanding more. This wine lacks differentiation or layering, and the firm tannins dominate the finish. This is a good wine, no doubt, but a bit old fashioned.
Score: 92/+
No comments:
Post a Comment