These six wines come from the Barossa Valley, where the key varietals produced are shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, riesling and semillon. The Barossa is famed for its Mediterranean climate – low rainfall and lots of sun – making it the idea place for growing full-bodied red wines and powerful whites.
Try a cabernet shiraz blend from John Duval Wines at Artisans of Barossa, a sangiovese from Calabria Family Wines, and shiraz wines from Kurtz Family Vineyards, Murray Street Vineyards, Pine Drive Vineyards, and Schubert Estate.
2018 John Duval Wines Integro Cabernet Shiraz
Integro – meaning to make whole. John’s knowledge of Barossa’s old vine resource is almost unparalleled. His approach to making Barossa shiraz has continued largely unchanged over the last 50 years; seeking out the best old vine parcels, practising meticulous winemaking and maturing in fine-grain French oak. Integro is a limited-release blend of cabernet sauvignon (92 per cent) from the Stonegarden Vineyard in Eden Valley and an exceptional parcel of Barossa shiraz (8 per cent). Second vintage release. 97 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion.Winemaker and owner John Duval says: We have long had in mind the idea to produce a cabernet shiraz blend as our contribution to the proud and distinctly Australian tradition of blending these two varieties. An ageworthy wine that would reward extended cellaring, allowing its journey of evolution to be enjoyed over many years. A wine from special Barossa vineyards and produced only when the right vintage conditions prevail. Available to taste from Enomatic, and to purchase, in the Wine Room at Artisans of Barossa, also by the glass and bottle in Essen – our contemporary and innovative restaurant at Artisans of Barossa. Reservations are essential.
Suggested food pairing: Drink the 2018 with our two-week dry-aged whole duck with honey lavender glaze and pearl barley, served in Essen by Artisans of Barossa.
RRP $245 | Drink to 2041 | artisansofbarossa.com
2020 Calabria Alternato Sangiovese
Crafted with integrity by the Calabria Family and sourced from a single vineyard in the Stockwell subregion of the iconic Barossa Valley. Soft fruit characters of maraschino cherry with subtle hints of French oak bring the palate together with notes of dough and spice.Chief winemaker Emma Norbiato says: At Calabria Family Wines we're always looking to push the boundaries and try new things. Our winery is at the forefront of experimentation, both in our blending techniques and with our use of Italian alternate wine varietals. This passion for innovation and experimentation is reflected in our exceptional wines, which are crafted with care and a deep respect for the land and the traditions of winemaking.
Suggested food pairing: Drink the 2020 with the classic Tuscan dish – spinach and ricotta gnudi (gnocchi) with passata. Or pair it with roasted pork belly polpette with polenta tomato sauce.
RRP $45 | Drink to 2031 | calabriawines.com.au
2018 Kurtz Family Vineyards Schmick Shiraz
Only the best two or three barrels from each vintage are selected for this flagship wine – it's a very Schmick wine. Deep purple and red in colour. The nose is rich and concentrated with ripe, dark fruit aromas of blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry. Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, licorice, woody herbs and fine cedary oak provide multiple layers of complexity. The palate is full bodied and textural, with intense, concentrated, flavours of black fruits with hints of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, coffee beans and black truffles. The palate is drawn together and given focus with balanced acidity and plush, fine-grained tannins that provide structure, velvety mouthfeel and exceptional length of flavour.Winemaker Steve Kurtz says: Kurtz Family Vineyards wines offer value for money – they're rich and full of flavour. We like to think of our wines as traditional with a modern twist. We craft our wines to be food friendly, and most importantly to reflect the Light Pass subregion of the Barossa Valley.
Suggested food pairing: The 2018 Schmick Shiraz is the perfect pairing to a juicy steak.
RRP $100 | Drink to 2035 | kurtzfamilyvineyards.com.au
2020 Murray Street Icon Aria
Our finest pick of Greenock Estate Shiraz. Hand-selected barrels show aromatic blackberry and fresh cut flowers, fresh inkwell with complexing notes of warm graphite and game meats. A silky texture envelops the palate – this wine is truly operatic.Head winemaker Ben Perkins says: Vines at our Greenock vineyard are grown in deep red and brown friable clays with occasional pockets of ironstone and sandy loam over limestone, which is characteristic of much of the Western Ridge soil profile. These conditions produce a distinctly elegant, full-bodied flavour – which is what we love about our wines. And time seems to stand still when you are sipping wine beneath the vines on our scenic balcony overlooking 80ha of vineyards.
Suggested food pairing: Pair the 2020 Icon Aria with beef wellington.
RRP $125 | Drink to 2043 | murraystreet.com.au
2021 Pine Drive Moppa Shiraz
The stunning 2021 vintage has produced an almost perfect expression of the shiraz grown in our vineyard at Moppa (in the north western corner of the Barossa Valley). Dark magenta colours, verging on black, fill the glass. On the nose there are bold notes of chocolate, black olives, spices, mushrooms and black fruits that flow through to a typically generously proportioned palate of great length, framed by fine, supple tannin. An utterly hedonistic pleasure to enjoy in its youth, the wine will reward the patient time and again over the next 10–15 years.Owners Matthew Grayson and Bernadette Stewart say: We think our shiraz is best enjoyed sitting on our deck, overlooking our vineyard as the sun sets on the eastern flanks of the stunning Barossa ranges. A big glass in hand – check out our website or drop us an email to get your hands on some cracking shiraz for a great price.
Suggested food pairing: Pair the 2021 with some great local cheeses and smoked meats close at hand.
RRP $30 | Drink to 2036 | pinedrivevineyards.com
2015 Schubert Estate The Goose Yard Block Shiraz
In the glass you see a dark core of black with a garnet rim. On the nose there is an intense bouquet of dark chocolate, dark plums, liqueur cherry and dried cranberry notes. Secondary aromas of star anise, cinnamon and spicy cedar oak abound. The palate is flavour rich, packed with blackberries, blackcurrants and black olives that are interwoven with savoury notes of leather, allspice, and cigar box. Chewy tannins and fine acid line provide balance and the perfect framework for an impressively proportioned wine that will reward cellaring for the next 10 years or more.Chief winemaker Matthew Reynolds says: Our approach respects time-honoured successes while also allowing for bold experimentation. The team at Schubert Estate believe this is imperative to pursuing Barossa wine excellence. The Schubert Estate portfolio reflects our brand's adventure, considering both the pursuit of excellence and the journeys undertaken along the way.
Suggested food pairing: Pan-fried pork and sauerkraut dumplings with XO sauce.
RRP $150 | Drink to 2025+ | schubertestate.com
