TN: Maxwell Ellen Street Shiraz 2017

[Waiters Friend]

Deep purple in colour. Powerful nose, with black plums, blueberries, vanillan oak, licorice and cloves. The palate is full bodied and rich, with the dark fruits flowing over the palate, and supple tannins in support. Very slight earthiness and savoury notes, but these are in the background. Great length and well balanced. Should improve over the next 5 years.

[phillisc]

Hi Allan, thanks for this. I have 2016 and 18 Ellen St. Not convinced on the frailties of the 2017 vintage, although your note suggests otherwise, with plusher richer fruit profiles that I am seeing in 2018/19 and 2021. I will certainly hunt down the 2019 vintage, very reasonably priced for an MV Shiraz, paid $30 for the 2018.

Cheers Craig

I have just picked up half a dozen of the 2019s, will try one on the weekend and report back.

[Waiters Friend]

Two years on, and time to have another look at this wine. Decanted about an hour before service.

Purple in colour, although the colour has lightened slightly. Vanilla, cedar, dark and red plums, cloves, a little cinnamon, blue and blackberries on the nose. The palate remains full, with licorice and a little leather polish joining the fruits and spices. Tannins are drying without being clunky, and there's sufficient supporting acid. There's a few savoury notes throughout.

My previous tasting note said "should improve over the next 5 years". I'm not sure it has improved, but it remains well balanced and has considerable length. A very good McLaren Vale shiraz.

Cheers
Allan

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