Chris Ringland, Dimchurch Shiraz

Chris Ringland, Dimchurch ShirazThis wine is part of the North Barossa project, with Chris Ringland and Adrian Hoffmann. Adrian Hoffmann leads the fruit selection and picks five two tonne parcels that he deems to be the best fruit across his vineyards, then he delivers the fruit to Chris, who makes the wine. This is made in an unapologetically big style, and at 17. 3% alcohol, there is certainly much to take in. The 2016 Dimchurch Shiraz leads with pomegranate molasses, kicked

There is plenty of citrusy

it's what Ringland calls his "more fruit-forward" wine (after more than four years in barrel)

this displays the hallmark Favia Erickson traits of balance and elegance—there's absolutely nothing out of place here

I think I prefer the old tawny

with a snap of smoky minerality zesty acidity and a white pepper flourish lending vivacity

Here there is better wood integration framing the pretty and ripe blend of both red and black fruit that displays a subtle animale character as well as notes of underbrush

An exuberantly spicy nose features ripe aromas of dark cherry liqueur

full and sweet flavors that possess unusually good detail

spice-tinged cherry and blackberry scents are brightened by suggestions of smoky minerals and pungent flowers

Haag essayed some selective picking for Beerenauslese

balsamic herbs and a hint of chalk

Seven percent was fermented in concrete eggs