Lone Palm Hillside Shiraz 2022; Not Bold for Attention—Layered for Discovery
Wrapped in matte black and finished with a gold crest, Lone Palm’s Hillside Shiraz looks like it has something to say—and it does. But instead of shouting with sweetness or oak, it chooses a slower, more deliberate pace. This isn’t a wine trying to charm in the first five minutes. It’s for those who sit down, pay attention, and let it unfold.
|
Vintage: |
2022 |
|
Region: |
Barossa Valley, South Australia |
|
Varietal: |
Shiraz |
|
ABV: |
14.5% |
|
RRP: |
$100+ AUD |
|
Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
In the glass, it pours a deep garnet with violet flickers at the rim—a signal of youth and purity. It looks composed, bright, and quietly confident.
Aroma / Nose
The nose begins with jammy notes of ripe blackberry and dark plum, but swirling brings out more: cedar, oak warmth, and a flicker of licorice or violet. It’s not overly perfumed—fruit leads, but structure is close behind. This isn’t a sweet Shiraz. It’s restrained, almost quiet.
Palate / Taste
On the tongue, it delivers a firm but balanced structure:
Oak shows early, drying the palate
Plum and blackberry return, held in check rather than gushing
A floral lift mid-palate—perhaps violet or lavender—adds detail
Warmth builds in the chest, but remains smooth
Acidity is more tart than sharp, giving the wine shape rather than tension
The tannins grip the front of the tongue, but ease with food and air. There’s density and presence, but it’s thoughtful, not brash.
Finish
The finish is dry and textural, with oak and blackberry fading slowly. Tannins linger just enough to remind you the wine has structure, but they don’t dominate. There’s a steadiness to the way it wraps up—not a crescendo, but a long, thoughtful pause.
Food Pairing
This wine changed character with every bite—proof that it responds rather than overwhelms:
Cheddar mellowed the alcohol; oak stayed firm
Smoked ham pulled forward more fruit, especially plum and blackberry
Camembert softened the wine; for Kiki, fruit became more prominent
Truffalino (truffle cheese) was the standout pairing—earth, cream, and oak met in harmony. No clash, no resistance—just resonance.
This isn’t a wine for one pairing. It’s a chameleon—structured enough to stand firm, responsive enough to adapt.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Lone Palm Hillside Shiraz 2022 is structured, confident, and deliberate. It doesn’t overreach. It doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it rewards the drinker who slows down and pays attention.
If you see it around $120 for a premium dinner, it’s worth considering.
If you find it for $60 in a mixed pack, don’t hesitate.
And if you’re drinking it alone, give it time to speak—it has more to say than you think.
Not bold for attention—layered for discovery. A wine better shared than explained.
Editor’s Note
This review is part of ATC’s ongoing exploration of premium Australian Shiraz across multiple tiers—from cellar-door exclusives to widely available icons. Lone Palm Hillside Shiraz caught our attention not with noise, but with nuance. It reminded us that some wines don’t need a story—they just need time. We purchased this bottle independently, and as always, the reflections are our own.
–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.
