Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2016
“This icon iteration from Xavier Bizot, as he stakes the red-wine reputation of his south-east SA Wrattonbully vineyard on the traditional Australian cabernet-shiraz blend, is claret on steroids. What makes it his ultimate statement, his “Reserve” style, is immediately obvious in the glass: a seductive perfume of cabernet in crushed black berry and floral violet mode, these spilling into an intensely evocative weave of rich, dark, spicy and savoury elements that speak all about the synergy of fruit, oak and time.
Each of the elements – 68% cabernet sauvignon, and 16% each of shiraz and cabernet franc – spent an average of 11 months in 84% new oak barrels before the blend maturing a further 17 months in a five-year-old 4000l foudre before bottle ageing for 18 months. With all that, the full-bodied complexity and balance is a major achievement, tannin integration and support providing an exact grip and tension to match the impressive fruit concentration. A big, bold and beautiful wine that will offer serious vinous pleasure for 10 to 20 years.” 97 points
Drink 2030-2040
Tony Love, winepilot.com July 2020.
