The Scottish Highland clans used the “RunRig” system to distribute land among clan members across a number of widely scattered holdings. The focus wasn’t on a single farm, but on the whole. Here, Shiraz from old dry-grown vineyards is blended with Viognier. The two complement each other’s strengths and complexity, giving the resulting wine an extra dimension. The whole has been considered—RunRig.
The 2021 growing season was mild, with steady and cool daytime temperatures throughout. Good rainfall during the winter and spring of 2020 ensured the vineyard canopies grew and developed well-formed grape clusters. As a result of the long flavour-development cycle in the vineyard, the signature wines of the 2021 vintage show abundant aromatics, deep colour nuances and outstanding balance. Serve at 16°C and pair with hearty dishes.
The captivating bouquet is instantly present—finesse and power, precision and focus. Plums, blackcurrants and dark cherries, espresso, cocoa, Turkish delight, star anise, Earl Grey and black olives are layered with hints of vanilla pod, sandalwood and gentle cardamom. Dense, firm and powerful, yet remarkably balanced, with a voluminous structure.
98 POINT
Robert Parker
“SUPER SENSATIONAL”
It’s one of a handful of super sensational Shiraz Viognier from this great country, and the ability of this cuvée to speak so eloquently of both the Barossa and its harmonious varietals is impressive to say the least. So is, while we’re discussing it, the density and volume of the wine. On the nose, the 2021 RunRig is savory and meaty, with charry oak at the fore, backed by black cherry, graphite, dried rose petals, red and purple fruit, flowers and black tea. There is both detail and density. On the palate, the wine is both silky and huge. It’s momentous, long and complex. It’s like the volume has been turned up in every possible way, and what I know of sound mixing is on show here; it’s a loud mix, but all the elements are perfectly in balance. And ultimately, that’s what’s up. Like Nick Cave, it’s got it all, and it does it with conviction and intellect. It’s a great wine, from a great season. Bigger than perhaps ever before.
97 POINT
Joanna Simon
“EXTRAORDINARY SILKY SMOOTHNESS”
Expressive, lifted aromas of black fruit with a hint of ripe stone fruit overlaying bitter chocolate. A generous, rich palate with fruit of great purity, intensity and definition; notes of baking spices and liquorice and fine-grained tannins beneath extraordinary silky smoothness. Layered, very long and will probably still be going well in 2050.
