The fruit for the 2019 Shiraz The Beast is plucked from 20- to 25-year-old vines from (mainly) a single site on the Hentley Farm estate. It was basket pressed and matured for 22 months in 60% new French oak. 2019 was a warm, dry vintage, and the confluence of style and seasonal conditions is worn really well here. In my opinion, the Barossa has the potential to exude a very savory, red dirt/earth character in the best Shirazes, and it is the clearest indication of region that I can think of in this context. There is great diversity in the Barossa, but that character seems to shine through it all. Here, it is in spades and sets the wine up for great success in the mouth. Concentrated fruit, round tannins and a swathe of plush fruit make up the whole here—and it's a goodie. Wonderful wine. Big.