Price Drop: Smidge Wines 'S' Shiraz 2017

The 2017 vintage was notably cooler than typical Barossa seasons, which has proven to be a blessing for this wine's development. Cool vintages in warm regions like Barossa often produce wines with better natural acidity and more refined tannin structure, allowing for superior ageing potential. This cooler season has contributed to the wine's remarkable evolution over nearly a decade, developing complex secondary characteristics while maintaining freshness and balance.

The blend combines the rich, powerful fruit character typical of Barossa Valley's warmer sites with the elegance and structure from Eden Valley's higher altitude vineyards. Eden Valley's cooler climate and higher elevation contribute natural acidity and refined tannins, while Barossa Valley provides the concentrated fruit flavours and body. This regional blending technique is a hallmark of premium Barossa producers, creating wines with both power and finesse.

At nearly a decade old, this wine is drinking beautifully now and showcasing the complex secondary characteristics that develop with proper bottle ageing. The seamless tannins and developing leather and mushroom notes indicate it's in an excellent drinking window. However, given its exceptional balance and structure, it has the potential to continue evolving gracefully for another 5-10 years, rewarding patient collectors with even greater complexity.

The wine's rich blackberry and dried fruit flavours, combined with its earthy mushroom complexity and fine tannin structure, make it ideal for robust dishes. Consider pairing with slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, aged beef steaks, or game meats where the wine's depth can match the intensity of the protein. The nutmeg and spice notes also complement dishes with warming spices or aged cheeses.

A 95-point rating places this wine in the 'outstanding' category, indicating exceptional quality that distinguishes it from typical commercial releases. Wine Pilot's high score reflects the wine's remarkable balance, complexity, and ageing potential - qualities that are increasingly rare in modern Australian Shiraz. This rating suggests the wine represents exceptional value and craftsmanship, particularly given Smidge Wines' boutique producer status and focus on small-batch, terroir-driven winemaking.