Longview

For this release, the two varieties were co-fermented. Normally this does not happen, or at least not so effortlessly, but the grapes all ripened at the same time, making it possible. The wine is a blend of 73% Shiraz and 23% Barbera. A cool fermentation takes place in open tanks for eleven days, before maturation in old French hogsheads and puncheons for eight months. This is the best ‘Vista’ I can recall. A vibrant magenta, this is quite rich and even a little bit thrilling on the nose. Chocolate, leather, cloves and plums, there is good direction and excellent length. Focused and taut, while maintaining intensity, the wine has very fine tannins. Fresh and youthful, it should provide enjoyment over the next six to eight years. It drinks better than plenty of wines twice the price.

A slurpy, fragrant, medium-bodied red with ample fruit, soft tannins and perky freshness. Violet, menthol, anise, tapenade and blue fruit persuasions. The blend works well. The shiraz, the jelly in the doughnut. I'd drink this young and briskly chilled. Drink now. Screw cap.