The Lane John Crighton Single Vineyard Shiraz Cabernet 2010 Review: A Forgotten Flagship Still Worth Hunting
The Lane no longer produces the John Crighton Single Vineyard Shiraz Cabernet, leaving auction houses and private cellars as the primary source for bottles today. Once the winery’s flagship red, produced in very limited quantities from its oldest estate vines, it offers a rare opportunity to revisit a chapter of The Lane’s history that no longer exists. That history makes it an intriguing bottle to open, but history alone is never enough. Sixteen years after vintage, the real question is whether this former flagship still delivers a premium drinking experience today.
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Vintage: |
2010 |
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Region: |
Adelaide Hills, South Australia |
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Varietal: |
Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Blend |
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ABV: |
14.5% |
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Original RRP: |
~ $100+ AUD |
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Auction Purchase Price: |
$56.00 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
The wine pours a deep garnet with a ruby rim that has begun to lighten with age. Colour remains concentrated through the core, while enough light passes through to hint at maturity without suggesting a wine in decline. A noticeable amount of suspended sediment sits throughout the glass, entirely in keeping with a bottle of this age. The legs fall quickly, giving little indication of the structure that follows.
Aroma / Nose
Before swirling, the nose is already expressive, showing dark berry character framed by seasoned oak. With air it opens further, revealing greater generosity while a gentle sweetness from the oak begins to emerge. The aromas remain well integrated throughout, feeling confident rather than fragile. We were immediately struck by how alive the wine still felt, with little to suggest it was nearing the end of its journey.
Palate / Taste
The palate opens more gently than the appearance suggests. Soft, slightly sweet dark berries lead before the wine gradually leans towards a more mature, earthy profile. An occasional aniseed note appears through the swallow, accompanied by gentle spice and warmth that build towards the back of the tongue.
The tannins remain firm across the cheeks and gums while feeling polished rather than coarse, giving the wine reassuring structure without becoming aggressive. As the dark berry character fades, a lingering savoury bitterness becomes the final impression. Rather than feeling harsh, it provides shape and definition, although those looking for a more fruit-driven finish may find it slightly restrained.
Finish
Medium in length, the finish allows the primary fruit to step aside for gentle bitterness, warmth and subtle savoury spice. It resolves with composure rather than weight, reinforcing the impression of a mature wine that continues to hold itself together remarkably well.
Food Pairing
The John Crighton proved to be a versatile food wine. Rather than transforming dramatically with different dishes, each pairing highlighted a different aspect of its personality.
Roast chicken: The dark berry character remained clearly noticeable before giving way to the familiar warmth and gentle bitterness. Importantly, the bitterness never became excessive, making this one of the most natural pairings.
Beef brisket: Perhaps the strongest match of the session. The wine retained enough brightness to complement the richness of the meat, while its acidity and mature savoury profile added structure without dominating the dish.
Fried pork belly: Shifted the emphasis towards oak, bringing more warmth through both the palate and nose. Less berry-driven than with the brisket, but an enjoyable change in character.
Tempura rump steak with sesame seeds: Combined the strengths of the brisket and pork belly pairings. The dark berries remained present before a more savoury finish emerged, creating one of the most balanced combinations of the evening.
Spring rolls: Introduced slightly more bitterness and acidity, nudging the wine further towards its savoury side. Those who enjoy more savoury Chinese-inspired flavours may appreciate this interaction.
Fried kale: Softened the berry character without pushing the wine into excessive bitterness or acidity, resulting in another comfortable pairing.
What impressed us most was how consistently the wine held together throughout the meal. It never lost its identity. Instead, each dish simply encouraged a different side of the wine to step forward.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Yes. The Lane John Crighton Single Vineyard Shiraz Cabernet 2010 has stood the test of time remarkably well. Sixteen years after vintage, this bottle is still drinking beautifully, retaining enough freshness, structure and composure to justify its reputation as The Lane’s former flagship. While enjoyable on its own, it feels most complete alongside food, where its balance, polished tannins and mature character settle naturally into place.
At the $56 we paid at auction, it represents outstanding value. Even at its historical retail price of around $100, we would have walked away feeling satisfied with the experience.
A forgotten flagship that has earned its place beyond the cellar.
Editor’s Note
This bottle was purchased at auction for $56. Auction prices, storage history and bottle condition can all influence the experience, and this review reflects the bottle we tasted.
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.
