Alkina, Old Quarter, Barossa Valley

Deep ruby with violet hues. The nose is restrained - black cherry, plum skin, dried herb and a touch of pepper, with oak sitting in the background. The palate is leaner than the other Alkina reds: medium (+) body, high alcohol, moderate acidity and ripe, fine tannins in a tightly woven frame. Fruit is clean but the mid-palate is a little hollow; length is medium with a savoury, spice-tinged finish. Reads as partial whole-bunch and older oak aimed at texture …

This is wonderful. There's generosity of fruit but it is also savoury and clean. It has some blood plum and raspberry along with a note of violets. There's flesh but it is contained and just under the surface is cool ironstone. Beautifully balanced and proportioned.