Though it was about time I pulled a 2013 RSW Shiraz from the cellar, it has been a few years since I checked in on this stunning wine and I was more than curious to see how this wine has evolved.
The wine was named after Robert Strangways Wigley, a noted South Australian eccentric and state cricketer in 1894 after embarrassing his family once too often and fled to McLaren Vale and established Wirra Wirra.
After he died in 1926 the winery fell into disrepair until 1969, when it was returned to its former glory by Greg Trott. Greg had a dream to not only make world-class wine but to build a giant catapult to throw watermelons (originally bottles of wine) into neighbor’s fields. The project was completed in 2006, after his death in 2005.
The winemaking team now consists of three women: Chief Winemaker: Emma Wood Who comes via Penfolds, Winemaker: Kelly Wellington, and Assistant Winemaker: Grace Wang.
The grapes were sourced from three separate pickings from Blewitt Springs, McLaren Flat, and Seaview- all averaging around 40 years old. These vineyards are known for making wines with great depth and complexity.
Fruit is still bursting from the glass- lively and vivacious. Enticing aromas of rich blackberries and dark cherries dominate.
The mouthfeel is sticky in a plush velvety kind of way- tannins are evident. This is still a wine with broad shoulders and a muscular attitude that will need a big steak to pair with it- an Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Steak would be an ideal partner.
Seamless layers of rich blackberries, dark cherries, and plums with secondary notes of leather, developed blueberries, and spices, all tied nicely together with elegance, exceptional balance, power, and grace. It has a long finish with a hint of sweet spices and French oak.
No surprise if you are still smiling after emptying your glass, even after your first. This is a special wine and an absolute delight to drink. I am happy I have 4 more bottles of the 2013.
With 11 years under its belt, it is still a puppy. It still has at least another 10 years- out to 2035.
Vine to Table 