Having reviewed newer vintages of this wine recently, it is interesting to go back in time and see this 2016 Lawson's Padthaway Shiraz. Currently, the oak is sheathing the fruit in an after-dinner-mint vibe, veritably overwhelming all other characters on the nose. The color remains very bright in the glass, and in the mouth the wine is fresh and vibrant, although the tannins play more than a central role in proceedings. Matured in American and French oak for 16 months, it is my guess that this wine will retain its sweet freshness forever into its late life—that's what American oak seems to do, like a (sweet) elixir of life. I think the confident oak/tannin drive on the palate will suit many, however it's just verging on a little too much for my personal preference.