2020 Nicks Secret BFD Reserve Barossa Shiraz - DAMAGED LABEL

This bold Barossa Shiraz was one of Robert Parker’s darling wines in the early 2000’s meriting scores of up to 99 points. Still true to that style today it’s not widely distributed on Australian shores but can be found selling for $150.00 per bottle on the winery's website. Produced from a selection of only the best barrels utilising the estate’s oldest blocks of Shiraz, this formidable wine is only released in the great vintages. Maturation takes place in a mix of new French and American hogsheads for a period of 30 months.

A monstrously rich and massively proportioned old school style of Barossa Shiraz that has some serious structure behind it.

Impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Sent wafting through the nostrils are heady scents of dark plum, liquorice and mocha which are complimented by vanillin oak, dark chocolate, subtle earth and spice notes. Boasting amazing richness, density and opulence yet backed by a firm structure, the decadent palate is completely saturated in a tidal wave of dark plum, liquorice, dark chocolate and blackberry fruits. Thick, concentrated and exceptionally powerful it has prominent earthy mocha and spicy vanillin oak characters flowing through the back half. Firm, sturdy tannin framework finishing very long and lavish yet with a robust feel.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews….
Immensely complex and opulent, the wine shows dark fruit richness, cake spice, toasty oak and mocha characters, leading to a powerfully concentrated palate delivering lavish mouthfeel with beautifully melded tannins. Sumptuous and imposing with layers of delicious flavours, making it hugely appealing. At its best: 2025 to 2040. $150.00.
97 points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit

A wine that comes from an incredible site, is unashamedly big and lush, but generates so much nuance and interest. A feat that is even more remarkable in the challenging 2020 vintage. There is some very serious quality oak influence to the wine, however the fruit is more than up to it, every array of spice comes to the fore on the nose but there is also plenty blackberry and plum with some bramble notes. The palate is truly expansive, but holds balance and layers of flavour whether it be fruit or oak derived, it is the interplay of fruit and oak that is the star of the show. The mid palate takes on some dark chocolate richness and a touch of liquorice. The length to finish can be measured in minutes. A wine that won’t be to everyone’s taste, but is a quintessential example of the sheer concentration and complexity of the Barossa. Drink 2023-2045.
97 points
Patrick Eckel – WineReviewer.com.au