Hentley Farm The Beast Shiraz 2020

Shiraz from Hentley Farm’s estate D block in the western Barossa, destemmed and aged in French oak (60% new) for 22 months. A purple-splashed beast of a wine with the estate’s characteristic plush black and dark berry fruits. Abundant spice and hints of cedar, vanilla bean, licorice, dark chocolate, tobacco pouch, pressed flowers and roasting meats. Plush and opulent with super-compact sandy tannins and all the structure to age well, should you be able to keep your mitts off it. Drink from: 2023. Drink by: 2043. Score – 96. (Dave Brookes, winecompanion.com.au, July 6, 2023)