2023 Standish ‘Lamella’ Shiraz

"This gentle elongated ripening creating a special vintage giving us wines of great lusciousness and complexity... Some of our most complex and captivating wines to date."
- Dan Standish on the 2023 vintage

Stuart McCloskey (Tasted April 2025)
Despite being the first (globally) to sell out and a raft of critical acclaim (100-points for the 2022), I often find Lamella my least favourite of the quartet, which is a daft thing to declare as it’s still pretty, darn special. Perhaps 2023 has delivered the turning point, and will undoubtedly appeal to those seeking the plushest of plushness. From the first swirl to sniff - the heady perfume hooks you in. Intoxicating and addictive doesn’t cut the mustard. I am floored by the sheer intensity and aromatic complexity. Such an extraordinary bouquet. Addictive and would serve as the best medicine. It’s nigh on impossible to keep the superlatives under control. The intense floral character hits you first (peony and rose). Step into the most intense raspberry liqueur imaginable along with a serving of cinnamon toast, ripe mulberry and plum. I adore the sweet spicing which has a sense of exoticism. As with previous releases (and more airtime) – nori and layers of coal / graphite pervade my glass. Epic, in a word… The palate is wonderfully creamy and feels evocative and luxurious (very expensive, too). This takes fruit quality, depth and breadth to a level I have rarely encountered (and I’ve been sampling wine for over 25 years). Power and intensity does not fight to dominate. Instead, perfect harmony is delivered – intense fruit sits alongside suede-like tannins. The poise and detail are breathtaking. Obsessive in its presentation. Full figured and very, very sexy. Decanted for 24-hours (poured back into the bottle – cork left out) Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware. Drink now to 2050…