The Wines

2005 Barossa Valley Shiraz

The fruit for the 2005 Shiraz was sourced from the Kalleske Vineyard in the Koonunga sub region at the northern end of the Barossa Valley. The vineyard soil profile is typically red loam over clay and being at the northern end of the valley, is subject to harsher, drier growing conditions than other parts of the valley. Accordingly, the ‘terroir’ of this vineyard lends itself to producing low yielding, intensely flavoured fruit.

The fruit was hand picked, destemmed and gently crushed to an open fermenter. Hand pumpovers twice daily ensured maximum colour and flavour extraction during fermentation, with the ferment temperature controlled to retain the vibrant fruit character. The wine was gently basket pressed to new and seasoned French and American oak hogsheads, where it matured for about 20 months. The wine was carefully racked several times throughout the maturation process, allowing gravity to clarify the wine. Finally, the wine was bottled, unfined and unfiltered in December 2006. Only 180 cases of this wine were made.

Tasting notes

The colour is vibrant red with purple hues. The nose constantly evolves in the glass. Intense and lifted, the nose displays floral/violet characters with blackberry, dark cherry, lots of spice and hints of vanilla crème. The palate is elegant, balanced and has great structure and acidity, keeping the wine tight and focused. Rich fruits of blackberry, plum, dark cherries and dark chocolate flood the palate with wonderful soft, ripe tannins. The wine is wonderfully balanced and has great length and persistence on the palate. Whilst excellent drinking now, can be confidently cellared for 10+ years.

Reviews

2005 Barossa Valley Shiraz - 91/100* - Jay Miller - Wine Advocate # 181 Feb 2009
"Opaque purple/black in color, it reveals a nose of wood smoke, spice box, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. On the palate notes of black cherry and chocolate emerge. Smooth-textured, layered, and dense, this impeccably balanced wine will continue to blossom for another 1-2 years, and will be at its best from 2010 to 2018"

2005 Barossa Valley Shiraz - 91/100* - Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar - July / August 2008
Glass-staining ruby. Smoky raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with pungent floral and herbal qualities adding interest. Fleshy and rich, with sweet dark berry liqueur flavors, velvety texture and building tannins. A subtle vanillin oak spice quality gains strength with air and lingers on the long, sappy finish. Offers surprising energy for its rich character.

Cooper Burns
2005 Barossa Valley Shiraz - 94/100* - James Halliday - 2008 Australian Wine Companion
"Rich blackberry, plum, prune & dark chocolate. Impressive power, length & overall balance. Drink to 2025"

* 94-100 Outstanding - Wines of the highest quality, usually with a distinguished pedigree.