Thicker Than Water Legacy Shiraz 2021 Review – Respectable but Not Moving
We opened this bottle with curiosity, expecting a polished McLaren Vale Shiraz carrying both fruit and oak. What we found was a wine that asked for patience — restrained at first, then gradually revealing more character once given air and food.
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Vintage: |
2021 |
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Region: |
McLaren Vale, SA |
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Varietal: |
Shiraz |
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ABV: |
14.5% |
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RRP: |
$120 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
Deep ruby at the core with a bright crimson rim, showing youthful energy. The wine is clean and clear in the glass. On the swirl, arcs form with fast-running legs, pointing to moderate body and alcohol lift.
Aroma / Nose
Without swirling: oak forward, fruit muted and held back.
After swirling: berry fruit comes forward, balanced against a wood backing. The shift is marked, suggesting more to come with air.
Palate / Taste
First sip is smooth and silky, with a touch of sweetness on the tongue. French oak steps up once tasted, carrying through on both aroma and flavour. Sweet berry fruit shows itself but is quickly checked by spice and acidity dancing across the roof of the mouth. The swallow remains smooth and controlled, while tannins grip firmly at the cheeks and gums.
Finish
The swallow is even, the tannins firm, leaving cheeks and gums engaged. With food, the finish shifts: a glimmer of sweetness appears but fades quickly, leaving spice and oak to linger as the last impression.
Food Pairing
Edam: Softens the wine, drawing out gentle sweetness with hints of vanilla. Acidity drops, though tannins hold their ground.
Prosciutto: Pushes oak to the forefront while tempering sweetness. Spice sharpens across the tongue.
Persian fetta: Adds structure, showcasing oak and acidity in balance.
Roast chicken breast (cold): Echoes the feta pairing, with oak and acidity carrying through.
Fresh strawberry: Surprisingly forgiving — the wine didn’t clash, holding itself well.
Roast beef brisket with sweet potato mash: Gave the wine structure and depth. A flicker of fruit sweetness surfaced, but spice and oak quickly took control.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Thicker Than Water’s Legacy Shiraz 2021 revealed itself slowly — muted at first, then showing berries, spice, and oak as it breathed. Food consistently brought out its best side, from the soft sweetness with Edam to the depth added by brisket. On its own, it leaned oak-driven and controlled rather than expansive.
It’s a wine with structure and some finesse, yet it never quite stirred us. Even the label, with its slightly dated styling, feels at odds with the price point — competent, but not compelling.
Respectable, but it didn’t move our hearts.
Editor’s Note
This bottle was opened over a quiet weekend lunch — a spread of cheese, prosciutto, and roasted meats setting the scene. It reminded us how much a wine’s character can shift with company and food; the Legacy Shiraz found its rhythm not in solitude, but in the conversation around it.
–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.
