Lone Palm Hillside Shiraz 2022: Not Bold for Attention, Layered for Discovery
Wrapped in matte black with a gold crest, Lone Palm’s Hillside Shiraz looks like it has something to say. But instead of pushing forward with sweetness or heavy oak, it moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. This is not a wine built for instant charm. It rewards the drinker who sits down, pays attention, and lets it unfold.
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Vintage: |
2022 |
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Region: |
Barossa Valley, South Australia |
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Varietal: |
Shiraz |
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ABV: |
14.5% |
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RRP: |
$100+ AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
In the glass, it pours a deep garnet with violet flickers at the rim, a sign of youth and clarity. The colour looks composed and bright, hinting at concentration without heaviness.
Aroma / Nose
The nose begins with ripe blackberry and dark plum. Swirling reveals cedar, warm oak, and a flicker of licorice or violet. It is not overly perfumed. Fruit leads, but structure sits close behind. The impression is restrained rather than sweet.
Palate / Taste
On the tongue, the wine shows firm but balanced structure. Oak appears early, drying the palate slightly before plum and blackberry return, held in check rather than rushing forward. A subtle floral lift emerges through the mid-palate, perhaps violet or lavender, adding another layer of detail.
Warmth builds gradually in the chest, though it remains smooth rather than sharp. The acidity leans tart rather than piercing, giving the wine shape.
Tannins grip the front of the tongue at first but soften with air and food. There is density and presence, yet the wine never feels aggressive. Instead, it unfolds slowly, revealing its structure in stages.
Finish
The finish is dry and textural, with dark fruit fading gradually. Tannins linger just enough to remind you the wine has structure, but they never dominate. The impression is steady rather than dramatic, more a thoughtful pause than a crescendo.
Food Pairing
This wine changed character with each bite:
Cheddar mellowed the alcohol while the structure stayed firm.
Smoked ham drew forward more fruit, especially plum and blackberry.
Camembert softened the wine. For Kiki, the fruit became more prominent.
Truffalino, a truffle cheese, was the standout pairing. Earth, cream, and spice met in harmony. Nothing clashed and nothing fought for attention.
This is not a wine that demands a single pairing. It responds to the table.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Yes. Lone Palm Hillside Shiraz 2022 rewards patience.
It is structured, deliberate, and quietly layered. Rather than chasing richness or immediate charm, it unfolds gradually in the glass.
Given time and food, the wine becomes more expressive. What first appears restrained slowly reveals depth, balance, and composure.
Not bold for attention, layered for discovery. A wine that rewards the drinker who takes their time.
Editor’s Note
This review is part of ATC’s ongoing exploration of premium Australian Shiraz across multiple tiers, from cellar door releases to widely available icons. Lone Palm Hillside Shiraz stood out for its restraint and structure rather than overt power.
Adrian, Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
