Angove The Medhyk Old Vine Shiraz 2019

While McLaren Vale is renowned for producing exceptional Shiraz with classic blackberry and pepper characteristics, The Medhyk stands apart due to its 'lifted aromatics' - a quality typically reserved for the region's most premium offerings. The old vines contribute concentrated fruit intensity, while the sophisticated use of French oak (both new and seasoned) creates layers of complexity that elevate it beyond standard regional expressions. This combination of terroir expression and winemaking finesse has earned it recognition from top critics including 95 points from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

This 2019 Shiraz has excellent cellaring potential of 10-15 years from vintage, making it drinkable until 2034-2039. The wine's full-bodied structure, quality French oak integration, and concentrated old vine fruit provide the backbone necessary for extended ageing. As it matures, the primary fruit flavours will evolve into more complex secondary characteristics, while the tannins will soften and integrate further. The suggestion to drink half now and cellar half reflects the wine's ability to provide pleasure both in its youth and after extended bottle development.

The wine's rich profile of dark plums, liquorice, and black cherries, supported by French oak, makes it ideal for robust dishes that can match its intensity. Think grilled lamb with rosemary, beef short ribs, or aged hard cheeses like vintage cheddar. The pepper and star anise notes complement Middle Eastern spices beautifully, while the wine's full body won't be overwhelmed by barbecued meats or rich game dishes. The liquorice elements also pair surprisingly well with dark chocolate desserts.

Old vine Shiraz typically comes from vines that are 35+ years old, though there's no official definition. These mature vines naturally produce smaller yields of more concentrated fruit, as their extensive root systems access deeper soil nutrients and water sources. This concentration is immediately apparent in The Medhyk's intense aromatics and flavour density. Old vines also tend to be more resilient to vintage variation, producing more consistent quality year after year, which partly explains why this wine has garnered such impressive critical acclaim across multiple international competitions.

The Medhyk's impressive trophy cabinet reflects its exceptional quality across multiple judging criteria. The 95-point scores from both Robert Parker Wine Advocate and Melbourne International Wine Competition indicate outstanding technical execution and regional typicity. Gold medals from diverse international competitions (Berlin, Vienna, Mundus Vini) demonstrate its appeal across different palate preferences and judging styles. This consistency suggests the wine successfully balances power with elegance, showing both immediate appeal and the complexity that critics value in premium Australian Shiraz.