Big, rich and powerful, this wine is trademark Peter Jorgensen Barossa Shiraz. It continues the pedigree of the Vat series with 310A signifying the use of American Oak in the barrel aging process. As always, this wine celebrates the vineyard with rich, ripe fruit characteristics that are full flavoured, long living and cellar matured making them most enjoyable on release. The use of American Oak with medium plus toast adds a sweet vanilla and coconut flavoured lift. This is classic Barossa Shiraz with solid berry fruit and savoury spice enhanced by the sweet, toasty American oak characteristics.
The appearance is deep crimson with brick red edges indicating a degree of maturity. The long alcohol “legs” coating the side of the glass gives an indication of intensity and richness of flavour.
The initial bouquet is distinctive Barossa with ripe berry fruit and seductive dark chocolate aromas. Blackberry and sweet cherry fruit combine with freshly ground coffee and toasted oak to deliver a sophisticated savoury element. There are added layers of spice and confection that entice on first taste. The American oak accentuates the ripe, sweet fruit with a distinctive vanilla edge.
The opening flavours are delicious with bold blackberry and dark plum fruitiness supported by a combination of sweet and peppery spice. There are hints of medicinal herbs and earthiness lifted by a sweet brandy spirit richness. On the middle the tannins appear more mellow and rounded, a result of the influence of American oak. The overall palate has a velvety texture with a long, luscious finish. It’s a full bodied, robust wine with over three years maturation with flavours that are well integrated with a soft tannin structure. 2016 vintage conditions were generally dry producing premium wines that are now delivering stunning drinking. The use of American oak makes the palate seem a little more obvious and rather luscious.
The use of American oak makes this expression of Black Shiraz a perfect match for tender roast lamb or slow cooked lamb shanks with aromatic sauces and gravy. It has typical voluptuous Barossa personality with a lifted sweet vanilla character making it a well rounded food wine or simply on its own.
Previous vintages of the Black Shiraz are proving to be timeless, gaining richness and further complexity with maturation in cellar. The wines of 2016 are just starting to show their potential. This wine is drinking well now and will continue to develop and provide enjoyment over the next ten plus years. This wine has mad minimal filtration and will develop a light crust over time. For extended cellaring, decanting is recommended and allow it to breath at room temperature to bring out the best.