The 2018 Woodstock The Stocks Shiraz is a flagship McLaren Vale Shiraz sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyard parcels, planted on deep sandy soils that contribute both concentration and finesse. Produced only in strong vintages, the wine reflects Woodstock’s richer house style while maintaining regional balance and structure. The nose is deeply layered and complex, revealing aromas of blackberry, dark plum and black cherry alongside dark chocolate, liquorice, cedar, vanilla spice and subtle earthy notes.
On the palate, it is full-bodied with dense dark fruit concentration supported by fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity. Flavours of blackberry compote, ripe plum and cassis are complemented by mocha, baking spice and savoury oak complexity from extended maturation in French and American oak. Despite its power and richness, the wine remains polished and structured, with the sandy McLaren Vale soils contributing freshness and aromatic lift through the palate. The finish is long, velvety and persistent with lingering spice, cocoa and dark fruit intensity.
Ben’s Recommendation: At Wine More Cellars, this Shiraz is an outstanding option for customers seeking a more powerful and cellar-worthy McLaren Vale Shiraz with depth, structure and layered complexity. Particularly well suited to slow-roasted lamb shoulder, chargrilled ribeye, smoked beef brisket or aged hard cheeses. Drinking impressively now with decanting, though the wine’s concentration and tannin profile will reward careful cellaring over the next 10–15 years.
