Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2016 - In Bond

Stuart McCloskey Sampled 17 January 2025 “Everything sits on the dark side – the colour, the potent, black-fruited bouquet to a blackhole of a palate. This really needs serious airtime. I decanted for five-hours and suggest this as the bare minimum. You would struggle to believe this is coming into its ninth year. Time in the cellar? At least 20-years. Brooding really doesn’t cut the mustard with this one as you are pulled into a potent mélange of blue and black fruits, exotic spice, a core of cold steel and graphite, nori, violet, dark roasted coffee bean, and white pepper. In many ways – this reminds me of Schubert Theorem from Standish. Exotic, brooding and that telltale elixir-like charm that I love so much. The palate is full throttle, enormously powerful, with every facet being saturated by blue and black fruits, sweet spice, mineral and earth. The tannins are broad, and the acidity provides succulence. Wonderful texture too. It’s akin to taking a ride on a velvet rug – Plush and rides like a dream. Perfect integration and the length is never ending. Undoubtedly, this showcases exactly what Eileen Hardy stands for – the very best grapes and no expense spared. This is dripping with quality, which and regardless of preferences, you have to respect. Served using Zalto Bordeaux stemware.”