The Standish Lamella Shiraz 2020 is one of the most renowned and highly rated Shiraz from the high-altitude single-vineyard vineyards of Eden Valley, considered a top-tier wine comparable to those from the Hill of Grace.
Region/Winery: Eden Valley, The Standish Wine Co., Single-vineyard Lamella, grapes from the Angas family vineyard at Hutton Vale Farm, planted in the 1960s, vine cuttings from Mt Edelstone.
Winemaking Characteristics: 100% whole bunch fermentation (stems are fully lignified at harvest), significantly enhancing aroma and structure; then aged in oak barrels, resulting in a highly concentrated yet still elegant character before bottling.
Alcohol Content/Ratings: Approximately 14–14.9% abv, 97–98+ points from multiple reviews (WA, JS, Australian wine critics, etc.), consistently described as the most "elegant and mineral" in the series.
Aroma: Primarily blueberry and blackberry, including blueberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, and black plum, complemented by dried red berry/bottled raspberry coulis; further notes of Sichuan pepper, white pepper, licorice, star anise, orange peel, floral (violet), iron, graphite, and mineral notes.
Palmistry: Medium to full-bodied yet very restrained, with highly concentrated fruit flavors without being heavy. High acidity elevates the overall character, and the fine, powdery tannins are very firm, offering a "mineral + rock + micro-herbal (coriander, bay leaf)" profile. On the palate, black berries, blueberries, licorice, dark chocolate, and spices build up to a very long finish.
Perfume + power, floral, granitic, minerally, über spicy, elegant of the lineup—a modern, top-tier Shiraz that is both explosive and remarkably restrained.