Tournon Lady's Lane Shiraz 2022
The Domaine Tournon Lady's Lane Shiraz is a masterclass in how French winemaking expertise can elevate exceptional Australian terroir. Sourced from a single, prestigious vineyard in the Heathcote region of Victoria, the vines are planted deep into ancient, iron-rich Cambrian soils. This legendary red earth is famous for producing some of the most sought-after Australian Shiraz, giving the grapes an incredible depth of flavour and a distinct mineral edge. Under the guidance of Michel Chapoutier, the vineyard is managed with immense respect for the natural environment, ensuring the final wine speaks clearly of its unique location. In the glass, it pours a deeply intense dark purple. The nose is incredibly aromatic, leaping out with notes of ripe dark plums, black cherries, and a signature hit of cracked black pepper and dark chocolate. On the palate, this Heathcote red wine is powerful yet beautifully elegant. Rather than hitting you with jammy sweetness, it delivers a deeply savoury, complex profile supported by firm but finely woven tannins. It completely mirrors the classic, structured style of the Northern Rhône, just kissed by the generous Australian sun. Because of that brilliant structure and savoury backbone, it is a magnificent bottle to pair with rich, hearty food. It absolutely sings alongside roasted legs of lamb, rich venison casseroles, or mature, hard cheeses. While it is incredibly rewarding to open now, this is a premium Australian red with serious ageing potential, easily capable of developing even more savoury complexity in the cellar over the next decade.
