The lack of detail for this RRP $330 wine is breathtaking. One would safely assume that such a premium wine would be dripping in information and history, but that is certainly not the case. The Pioneer Shiraz from Ivyburn is certainly a very secretive beast.
Much like its RRP $110 Aldersey Shiraz sibling, the information supplied lacks detail on the vineyard, age of the vines, winemaking and oak treatment. You'd safely assume such a wine would parade about with this information, some rich history and praise the winemaker from the hilltops. But sadly, none of the above.
If anything, my eyebrows were further raised when the region it was sourced from was spelt McLaren Valey - eek! And the lead in story depicting the history of the Ivyburn label reminds me of the dodgy story created by Coles that was uncovered by the ABC. Note, this is not a Coles wine but I digress...
Big and rich with plenty of clout, it calmed over a few days of tasting. It opens with coffee grounds, dark chocolate and cedar sweetness. Dark fruits bury themselves deep with silky feels and rounded edges. Some soy and five spices emerge with time, as do creme caramel and some coconut oak in the form of the old school Golden Rough - American oak is clearly doing the talking. It's a nice enough drink but it doesn't match the price point.
But if curiosity is getting the better of you, some creative Googling will lead you to a clearance website selling this current vintage for $59. Now that is some hefty discounting and some more head scratching.
Drink 2026 to ten years+
93/100
Region: McLaren Vale
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