Estate-grown, hand-picked and sorted, whole berries open-fermented, 13 days on skins, matured in French oak (25% new) for 16 months, 250 dozen made. Bright hue, although faintly turbid; carries its alcohol well, the black fruits neatly structured and textured, the finish long and devoid of heavy extract and heat. Will cruise along for 15+ yours. 15% alc ~ James Halliday's Cellaring Selections ~ 94 Points Halliday Wine Companion.

How do you ensure this is a wine for the cellar?

The longest-living of our best wines wear the Black Hinge label with pride. We don't make a Black Hinge every year, nature plays its role in determining how often a wine makes the style and grade we seek. The '16 Black Hinge Shiraz is one of our best. It oozes both Barossa and Western Ridge regional hallmarks: morello cherries, dark chocolate and baking spices. Hand-picked, minimal handling and a long sleep in the best French oak we can buy ensures a wine that will certainly live for a decade of so. ~ Winemaker : Peter Leske