This is the 13th vintage release in the wine's 28-vintage history (1994 was the first vintage). The vineyards that service this 2021 cuvée are the Original Vineyard and the Alan's Cabernet Vineyard. It is an 80/20 split, with the 20% Cabernet Sauvignon component from the Alan's Cabernet Vineyard comprised of pressings. So, by contrast to the Springflat and Shiraz Reserve, which are both supple, succulent, clear wines of red fruit presence, this 2021 Shiraz Duck Muck is savory, earthy, exotic and spicy. It's a revelation and a very clear reason why it has the following that it does. This is a robust, concentrated and intense wine; it shows iron and iodine, raspberry coulis, clove, licorice, star anise and fennel seeds. The tannins are firm and ductile/pliable. The core of it is dark brown/black in countenance (vibrant ruby in the glass), and it shows a wonderful regionality and freshness, which is very impressive. This wine is super good in this cool year. 16.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. A total of 1875 bottles and 67 magnums were produced. Drink 2023 - 2041.
Source: Robert Parker.