I had the pleasure of tasting 1981 and 1984 Craiglee Shiraz recently and they were stunning. Wines that never started out as massive, but have an inner strength and elegance that makes them almost bulletproof. I can see that this 2021, I’m tasting as I write this, will easily age as long as those, or longer if you want. Really, I don’t think I have seen a better young Craiglee. I called winemaker Pat Carmody to get his opinion, and he said, “I’m really happy with this one, it was a ripe vintage like ‘15 and ‘19, and I’m sure that it will last like that ’84 with that “effortless” character.
'21 has a little more tannin / tightness than normal, and it will take some time before the fruit starts lengthening trough the palate, and it will be a keeper.” In his humble and seemingly relaxed way (although I know he has a burning desire to create greatness) he says “I’m pleased it shows Craiglee at its best, I just do what I do, and it seems to take care of itself.”
This wine, although Pat says it’s tight, it does have a “creamy”, plump, red fruited richness and suppleness, along with a pervasive nuanced spice, ripe fruit and green / white pepper character that “brands” it as a fine Craiglee.
Cheers, Randall.
This wine, although Pat says it’s tight, it does have a “creamy”, plump, red fruited richness and suppleness, along with a pervasive nuanced spice, ripe fruit and green / white pepper character that “brands” it as a fine Craiglee.
Cheers, Randall.
