The 2020 Ellen Street Shiraz is earthy, rustic and not without charm: the oak leads with a dark chocolate/cocoa-type vibe, while the fruit is firmly blackberries and licorice. The oak (both American and French) is certainly present and makes for a more rugged drinking experience. There is a lot to grab hold of here. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

The 2019 Ellen Street Shiraz (vines planted 1953) is like Eocene's chunkier cousin. It has the same family resemblance, but there's meat on the bones here. The oak and the extraction is more obvious here than in the Eocene. This has more unctuous fruit parcels, so the broader range of oak is employed—both American and French—and it suits this parcel of wine. This is a people wine. Satisfying. Pleasurable. Juicy. Mocha, American oak lick. Not complex, but delicious.

Maxwell's 2018 Ellen Street Shiraz comes from vines planted in 1953. Marked by strong menthol and black cherry aromas, it boasts a distinctive character. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's plush and round, concentrated and supple, with that yin-yang of green herbs and ripe fruit repeating through a long, silky finish. I suspect my rating will appear conservative to those who enjoy those herbal notes.

Juicy berry and cherry flavors show a floral note, with a touch of apricot, set on a succulent frame. Marzipan and green tea details linger. Drink now through 2031. 2,000 cases made, 60 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add