Luke Lambert 2017 Crudo Shiraz 750ml

Compared to Luke Lambert's 2017 Syrah (at double the price), Crudo Shiraz is meant to be a youthful, smashable, drink now and often red. That said, this is stamped with the authenticity and attention all Luke's wines carry. From organically farmed Tibooburra Vineyard's granitic sands seamed with volcanic topsoil, this was 20 percent whole bunch, native fermented, split between neutral oak and stainless for three months, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Charming from the start, with cracked peppercorns, wild blackberry, brambleberry, cherry blossoms, savoury dried herbs on a juicy, slight, frame. Tannins are fine but firm and long, running the length of this streamlined, moreish wine. Characterful and alluring, perfectly balanced for drinking now or short-term cellaring. Well done.

Score: 92 points -- Treve Ring, Gismondi On Wine, Feb 2019