The 2018 Old Block Shiraz is, as usual, a blend of two areas within the Barossa Zone: Barossa Valley (66%) and Eden Valley (34%). From my tastings over the years, I am really attracted to the 2018 vintage in the Barossa. Fruit has an easy gloss, a polish and a concentration that makes it so exciting to drink in its youth, but you know these wines will age, because they are possessed of supreme structure and shape. So, the 2018 Old Block is supple, almost slinky, medium-bodied, red-fruited, almost velvet, but light on its feet. There are suggestions of Earl Grey tea, graphite and fennel from Eden and a hint of red dirt and meaty body and density from Barossa, and it's just enough to create magic in the mouth. This is superb. Truly awesome.

This is an important wine in the St Hallett lineup, and it's a blend of two areas within the Barossa Zone: Barossa Valley (51%) and Eden Valley (49%). The plantings range from 1963 through to the 1850s, and the 2017 Old Block Shiraz is a great example of how old vines cushion the wine from the impact of the vintage. This is concentrated, set into a medium-bodied (plus) frame, and shows an array of red fruits and exotic spice. It's a cracking wine that manages to hold onto traditional and classical, but it also taps into modernity in the shape of its tannins and its flow of fruit. Super smart.

Compared to the two other St Hallett Shiraz offerings, the 2016 Old Block Shiraz delivers an extra level of intensity. Mixed red and black berry fruit comes across as a bit tart and structured, clearly meant for aging. It's full-bodied but angular at this age, with the fine-grained tannins showing a bit too prominently for current consumption. Despite the name, it's actually a blend of old-vine parcels in both the Barossa Valley (51%) and Eden Valley (49%), the youngest having been planted in 1963, while the oldest dates to 1856.

Rich and chocolaty, with dense yet plush tannins that provide a good backdrop for cherry, spice and licorice flavors. Lingers on the long finish. Drink now through 2030. 150 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / Barossa Select to Add

Generous, expressive and not weighty, but blooming with cherry, raspberry, clove and pepper flavors that glide smoothly through the long and harmonious finish. Drink now through 2018. 100 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa Select to Add