Robert Parker The Wine Advocate Rates 13 Chateau Tanunda Wines 90-96 Points

Huge news in from the USA where Château Tanunda has just received our best ever review scores from possibly the most influential and respected wine publication in the world:  Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate.

 The Wine Advocate is known for being one of the most consistently harsh critics of fine wines around the world, with any review score over 90 points only awarded to exceptional wines. Above 93 points is reserved for only the absolute finest wines from around the world in regards to quality and character.  

 his is a massive achievement and we congratulate Senior Winemaker, Neville Rowe, and the entire winery team for this best ever result.

Highlights include:

 96 Points

2015 Château Tanunda • 150 Year Old Vines 1858 Field Blend

The 2015 150 Year Old Vines 1858 Field Blend consists of Grenache, Mataro and Malbec, all open fermented and aged 18 months in a single French oak puncheon. On the nose, it boasts terrific, complex aromas ranging from cherries and cinnamon to orange zest and cracked pepper, while on the palate it shows ample weight, concentration and a rich, supple texture. I try to avoid fetishizing old vines (something that's all too easy to do), but this bottling is truly something special, with a lingering, spice-driven and mouthwatering finish that outdistances any others in the Tanunda portfolio. Drink 2018 – 2030

 95 Points

2016 Château Tanunda • Terroirs of the Barossa Eden Valley Shiraz

The 2016 Terroirs of the Barossa Eden Valley Shiraz beautifully captures the elusive Christmas spice character of the region. Hints of cinnamon, clove, and anise join notes of balsam fir and peppermint to add a gorgeous spice sheen over a bed of ripe, plummy fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with firm yet soft tannins and a finish that won't quit. Just lovely stuff. Drink 2018 – 2030

 94 Points

2013 Château Tanunda • The Everest Shiraz

The sourcing for this bottling changes from year to year. The 2013 The Everest Shiraz was sourced from estate vineyards in Bethany and Eden Valley, plus growers in Greenock and Krondorf. It's a notable step up from the 2012, combining the Christmas spices of Eden Valley with dark, earthy and savory notes from Greenock. The result is a complex whirl of peppermint, fir, cinnamon, clove, plum, black olive and roasted meat. With time in the glass, raspberries begin to emerge. It's a full-bodied, extracted wine that's a bit tannic to tackle right now, but it looks capable of aging for more than a decade. Drink 2020 – 2035

 93 Points

2012 Château Tanunda • The Everest Shiraz

A blend of grapes grown in Nuriootpa, Ebenezer and Lyndoch, the 2012 The Everest Shiraz spent 23 months in oak. That's left a strong impression on the wine, with vanilla, baking spices and menthol notes framing boysenberry and blackberry fruit. It's full-bodied and still muscular despite its age. Big, bold and unabashedly Barossan, it offers a mouthful of flavor, firm tannins and a juicy, mouthwatering finish. Drink 2020 – 2035

 93 Points

2016 Château Tanunda • 50 Year old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep, dark, rich and complex, the 2016 50 Year Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is a treat to taste. Earthy, tobacco-like notes add interest to the plum and cassis fruit, picking up subtle hints of toast and vanilla. It's full-bodied and expansive on the palate yet retains an appropriate varietal sense of reserve, leading into a long, elegant finish. Drink 2020 – 2030

 93 Points

2016 Château Tanunda • Terroirs of the Barossa Marananga District Shiraz

Spring blossoms and red raspberries appear on the nose of the 2016 Terroirs of the Barossa Marananga Shiraz. Notes of vanilla and cedar frame the red fruit on the palate, which also picks up hints of baking spices. It's full-bodied and expansive, with supple, softly dusty tannins and a long, textured and mouthwatering finish. Drink 2018 – 2025

 93 Points

2016 Château Tanunda • The Château Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Sourced from the Eden Valley, the 2016 The Chateau Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts lovely notes of red currants and cherries on the nose. Rather than being a dark, brooding wine, it's more about lift and elegance. Yes, it's full-bodied, but the gentle brushes of vanilla and cedar enhance and support the red fruit flavors, bringing extra layers to the long, silky finish. It's already approachable, but it should age well. Drink 2018 – 2035

The full reviews are attached, please let me know if you have any questions.