Vandenberg ‘Ari Collection’ Shiraz 2024, Limestone Coast

Vandenberg ‘Ari Collection’ Shiraz 2024, Limestone Coast

The Ari Collection. Named for Ari Vandenberg, a young Dutch sailor wrecked near Robe in 1857. Nine men made it to shore. Ari stayed and built a life on the Limestone Coast.

Bright colour, youthful and vivid. Lifted and expressive. Red berry first, then darker currant, rhubarb, beetroot and an earthy, almost garden-soil note. A fine mineral line sits underneath and keeps the whole thing in shape.

Modern, bright and plush, with real fruit purity and a sense of flow. Red berry and dark currant fill the mid-palate. Savoury oak, spice and that beetroot-earth character come in behind. Tannin is judged, not showy. It holds the wine, then steps back so the fruit stays in front. Acid keeps it lively. Savoury depth stops it being just a pretty glass.

Long finish. Fruit, spice, earth and mineral hang on together. Presence, drive.

Vino Masters Score: 97/100 ★★★★★ A Vandenberg Shiraz with red berry freshness, savoury oak and real drive.