PAXTON QUEEN OF THE HIVE SHIRAZ / MATARO 2022

Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"The Queen of the Hive produces the bees that have a vital role in maintaining natural balance & eco-health in our world. Bees keep plants & crops alive through pollination & without bees, humans would struggle to survive. Bees only survive & thrive in chemical free environments, hence why our certified biodynamic, estate vineyards in McLaren Vale are home to so many bee hives & their powerful, tireless Queens. To all the Queens we salute you! Biodynamics is the most advanced form of organic farming that uses natural preparations to bring the soil & vine into balance.

A bouquet of bright red fruits, with raspberry, cherry, and cranberry at the forefront, but delve deeper and you’ll detect subtle hints of earthy spice and a delicate floral undertone. Lively and complex, with a full-bodied texture balanced by a refreshing acidity. The red fruit flavours persist, but there's a distinct whole bunch carbonic maceration character that emerges, adding an element of complexity and intrigue. Silky, well-integrated tannins, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. As the wine opens up, there’s a subtle smokiness that lingers on the finish, leaving a lasting impression that is both satisfying and elusive.

Shiraz from 40 year old vines, one parcel 100% carbonic maceration ferment, and the other parcels 30% whole bunch/70% whole berry ferment. Aged in oak puncheons, 10% new, for 9 months. Mataro from bush vines, handpicked, whole berry ferment, aged 9 months in 2-3 year old French barriques."

5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, July 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Wonderfully fruited with excellent purity and perfume, the bouquet shows blackberry, sweet cherry, clove and floral aromas, followed by a concentrated palate displaying excellent weight and plump mouthfeel. Plush and generous with a sustained satisfying finish. At its best: now to 2032."

92/100 Cameron Douglas MS, July 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Ripe, fruity and varietal with aromas and flavours of black currants and boysenberries, there’s a milk chocolate and baking spices complexity along with a fresh violets quality. Taut, youthful, crisp and dry as the wine touches the palate. while there are abundant tannins and acidity they are in harmony with the fruits concentration and style overall. Balanced and well made, some youthful vibrato and tension. best drinking from 2024 through 2029."

5 Stars & 18.5+/20 (94) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, September 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Deep ruby-red with a purple hue, lighter on the rim. The nose is gently full and powerful, with aromas of Black Doris plum, boysenberry, sweet floral, overlying nutmeg, black pepper and star anise dustings. Medium-full bodied, aromas of plum, boysenberry intermixed cherry, sweet floral, black pepper, nutmeg and star anise. The mouthfeel is elegant; supple tannins provide a dusty texture; lively acidity carries good energy and vibrancy to a sustained finish. This Shiraz shows purity, good energy and an enticing, dusty mouthfeel. Match with lamb rump and bavette steak over the next 5+ years. 13.5% alc. Biodynamic and organic certified."