Standish "The Relic" Shiraz Viognier 2023 [WA 98]

Wine Advocate 98 points.

The 2023 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier is texturally velvety and smooth; that may sound like a base observation to make, and perhaps it is, but the experience is overwhelmingly silky/ethereal this year. Apricot blossoms, sweet roasted bone marrow, hung deli meat, crushed rocks, licorice, anise and raspberry mingle in the glass, while the palate gives us these characters tenfold, bolstered and grounded by savory tannins. What more is there to say about this, other than that it is sensational? I find this to be an incredibly consistent wine year after year, with my scores rarely deviating too much from "excellent." This is among the very best Shiraz Viognier's in this country; it's a treasure. 14.9% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax.Drink Date:2025 - 2043.