Paralian 'Springs Hill' Shiraz 2025

"Charlie Seppelt and Skye Salter have covered many miles and worked in many places since they met in '08 working the vintage at Hardys Tintara in McLaren Vale. By the time they established Paralian Wines in ’18 they had accumulated 46 vintages between them, working for others. The name is a noun for someone who lives by the sea. Charlie’s 1st exposure to McLaren Vale was as a vintage casual at d’Arenberg and it was vinous love at 1st sight. He and Skye headed off overseas, a high point undertaking vintage in Burgundy. They then agreed that McLaren Vale, and in particular Blewitt Springs, was the place they wanted to make grenache and shiraz with high fragrance and brightness. No fining or additions are used other than SO2 and little requirement for new oak." Halliday Wine Companion

"The first year the Springs Hill vineyard has been under full Paralian viticultural control (and ownership) from winter dormancy through to bottling. Two plantings, one 1998 and the other the original ’75 vines; 2t saw 20% whole bunches, with 5t destemmed; 10 months in French oak, 17% new. There’s such a site signature here, blue fruits and floral notes, iron and iodine, soft licorice, a smoky/earthy quality, something like humus-rich earth and moist tobacco. There’s also black olive, sun-warmed hardy herbs and lavender. It’s a complex wine, high in detail, the tannin quality of the highest order, the drive and length compelling. The value for this quality and character is exceptional." 97pts | Marcus Ellis | Halliday Wine Companion