In a quaint Angaston cafe a few years ago I caught up with Barossa storyteller and former Yalumba Ambassador Jane Ferarri for breakfast - her go-to haunt of course. Among the range of topics discussed, there was one thing she said that I have never forgotten. When I asked her about her favourite Yalumba vineyard her face lit up with immeasurable joy before she uttered three words to me, "The Paradox Vineyard."
"You want to drink the best of Yalumba, drink a bottle of the Paradox now, save some, and drink the rest later." It's funny what you remember. I recall her tone, that excited facial expression, and the warmth in her delivery.
So here I am, tasting the new release Paradox Shiraz 2017 and it oozes class from the outset. Sure, give it some air, it deserves that after being cooped up for a few years.
Blackcurrants and blackberries, char and bacon hock feature large. There is some extension here. A reach. It surges for your heartstrings and wraps itself around your soul. Dark plummy fruit pulls you in, well-handled oak and fine spices entwine into a neat package. Bitter chocolate, boot polish and a subtle suggestion of coffee grounds emerge after a couple of days. Fabulously balanced, it crawls up and sits in your lap delivering comfort but not seeking attention. And that, for me, shows the hand of classy winemaking. The fruit meshing joyously with oak and savoury characters to deliver a wine of comfort and absolute pleasure.
Yes, Jane Ferarri was right, keep an eye on this Paradox vineyard.
Drink now to a decade+
95/100
Region: Barossa
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