Margaret River Shiraz is an interesting cat, and there are few wineries that have regionally invested more in its research and development than Leeuwin Estate. Anecdotally, I would suggest that, given the benign conditions that prevail in Margaret River, "most" varieties grow well there, including Shiraz. However, the development of tannins takes on a very regionally specific thumbprint, and the wines tend to be softer and more plush than Shiraz grown in other parts of this state (I'm thinking specifically of the Great Southern and the Geographe) and indeed other parts of Australia. That being said, I like Margaret River Shiraz, but I like it young, as this is. 2024 was a hot and dry season in Margaret River—the hottest and driest on record. The wines, so far as I have seen, tend to show the diligence in viticulture and winemaking and represent very good results for a season that was such a challenge. So here, the 2024 Siblings Shiraz demonstrates a plush nose of creamy cassis and raspberry, blackberry, licorice and cold tea. In the mouth, this is ripe, showing everything the nose has indicated, with graphite/wet steel on the finish.
90 Points
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate