The 2015 The Pioneer Shiraz is from the Clare Valley, and it seems this wine needs further time still to break free from the shackles of oak that bind it. The lingering tannin through the finish shows the pedigree of the wine, and it allows us to see even further ahead into its future. The fruit was 100% destemmed, fermented via inoculation in open-topped American oak barrels (30% new), pressed and matured in the same barrels with heads installed, for 12 months. I am surprised by the presence of oak in this wine, as the élevage period was not as long as many; however, the effect of it is pronounced. This will please many who love oak, and it has been done well.