Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz 2012
98 Points // $350
Calm, seamless and effortless, this is the reincarnation of the 50/50 Coonawarra/Barossa blends of Yalumba of a half-century ago, lifted by a modern refinement and a precision that defines a breathtakingly fragrant style of the most elegant red fruits and a tannin structure of epic refinement, super fine-grained yet with a confidence that will energise it for a half century yet. In line, length and sheer refinement, this is the modern pinnacle of Australia’s classic blend.
Turkey Flat Vineyards Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015
95 Points // $47
From a backbone of some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, planted in 1847 on Bethany Road, this is one of the greatest Turkey Flat releases yet. Mark Bulman has taken this estate to new heights and this wine is the barometer. It’s deep in colour yet vibrant, loaded with dense black fruits and black pepper, framed in finely structured yet commanding tannins. Patience.
Paisley Wines Velvet Barossa Valley Grenache 2016
93 Points // $27.50
A brand new estate from an experienced couple, this elegant Grenache is the child of 70-year-old vines in the southern Barossa. Blue fruits and spice unite in a style of impressive structure, the seamless union between bright acidity and finely structured tannins, with just the right touch of whole bunch lending complexity and integrity.
Bethany LE Reserve Shiraz 2014
92 Points // $48
Great to see Barossa Shiraz at 13.5% alcohol! An elegant and captivating take on this region, capturing the brightness of the eastern Barossa foothills and Eden Valley. Black fruits, crunchy red berries and spice unite with milk chocolate, carrying on a very long finish of fine-grained tannins that promise medium-term potential.
Bethany Old Vine Barossa Grenache 2016
92 Points // $26
I have long marvelled over the stamina of 20-year-old Grenache in the depths of the Bethany cellars, so it’s fitting that this estate should conjure the first Grenache to ever take out the trophy for Most Outstanding Barossa Red Table Wine in the Barossa Wine Show. It’s quintessential Barossa Grenache, elegantly red fruited with bright rose hip notes and juicy strawberries and at the same time spicy and warm, with finely textured tannins and lingering persistence. Bargain priced, too.
Paisley Wines Turntable Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2016
92 Points // $22.50
Capturing Barossa floor Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier with fragrant elegance and refreshing finesse calls for quite some wizardry, particularly in the presence of extended skin contact and partial new oak maturation. Turkey Flat has achieved all this with masterful execution, while showcasing the distinctive texture and complexity of these varietals.
Irvine Spring Hill Eden Valley Riesling 2017
90 Points // $22
True to this long, slow ripening season, this is a full and fleshy Riesling of immediate appeal in its depth of spicy baked apple intensity, well balanced by the lemon and lime cut of cool nights. Acidity and phenolic texture unite in a long finish.
Penfolds RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015
96 Points // $200
An immediate allure to the 2015 Barossa harvest brings to mind reflections of the epic 2010 – glossy and enticing, yet backed with beautifully enduring, fine-ground tannins. One of the greats in the RWT lineage, packed with magnificent satsuma plum and blackberry presence, underscored by classy French oak, sustained by tannins that propagate until kingdom come. It needs time, and will reward.
Penfolds Bin 138 Barossa Valley Shiraz Mataro Grenache 2015
94 Points // $45
A serious release for Bin 138, with more black fruit depth, high cocoa dark chocolate impact and stature than ever. Shiraz (almost two-thirds of the blend) and Mataro are very much the theme here, with just a dash of Grenache for fragrance and red fruit calm. Firm, fine tannin structure confirms more potential than ever for this label.
Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2015
94 Points // $100
This is a beautifully composed Marananga, articulating the seamless, glossy, black fruit friendliness of the 2015 Barossa harvest, and supporting it confidently with fine-grained French oak tannins that furnish considerable longevity. A Marananga of definition and determination, with a strong future before it.
Peter Lehmann 8 Songs Limited Release Barossa Shiraz 2013
94 Points // $45
The milk chocolate suppleness for which 8 Songs strives is overlaid with beautiful purity and depth of black cherry and satsuma plum fruit, riding a chassis of confident yet impeccably fine tannin structure, backed with the support of high cocoa dark chocolate oak. A great vintage, and one for the cellar.
Paisley Wines Silk Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016
93 Points // $27.50
From a cool, elevated, later-picked site in Ebenezer, it’s refreshing to see a Shiraz of refinement and poise from this part of the world. Black and red fruits are masterfully united with well-gauged, understated touches of whole bunch and new oak, culminating in a long and well-textured finish. Derek Fitzgerald is a master of tannin management. A name to watch.
Thorn-Clarke Eden Trail Eden Valley Riesling 2017
92 Points // $24
Pete Kelly brings considerable Riesling mastery to Thorn-Clarke from his tenure at Peter Lehmann, and his new creation unites the enduring cut of Eden Valley acidity with the presence of a long, slow ripening season. The result is hands-down one of the longest-lived white wines you’ll find anywhere at this price.
Thorn-Clarke Barossa Trail Shiraz 2016
92 Points // $35
The density of St Kitts in the far north of the Barossa is contained by tight-knit structure in this vibrant Shiraz. Beautifully finely textured tannins provide integrity to a plush palate of blue fruit expression.
Fox Gordon King Louis Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
92 Points // $60
A densely characterful Barossa Cabernet of cassis and menthol, packed with varietal credentials and well-crafted definition. Finely structured tannins mesh seamlessly with fruit presence and refined, dark chocolate French oak.
Fox Gordon Hannah’s Swing Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014
92 Points // $60
All the spicy, meaty personality of the Barossa Valley provides dimension to well-defined blueberry and liquorice, masterfully structured with eloquently fine tannins. A beautifully medium-bodied Barossa Shiraz that lacks nothing in character and confidence.
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Barossa Quartage 2015
91 Points // $27
The crunch of Cabernet Sauvignon is lifted by the floral allure of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, fleshed out with Merlot. The result is a finely structured style of red fruit presence, classy, cedary French oak, and fine-boned tannins that will sustain it for the medium-term.
Murray Street Vineyards Black Label Barossa Mataro 2015
91 Points // $25
With an overlay of white pepper and a shake of paprika, this is a Barossa Mataro with a core of blackberry fruit and oodles of character and appeal. Earthy tannins are soft and approachable, and anything it lacks in varietal distinction it more than makes up in enticing appeal.
Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Eden Valley Riesling 2017
90 Points // $20
Sandpiper captures all the presence and intensity of a long-ripening season, while upholding the tangy cut of cool Eden Valley evenings and the fragrant refinement of elegant Riesling. It’s great value, and ready right away.
Turkey Flat Vineyards Barossa Valley Grenache Rosè 2017
90 Points // $21
More elegant than ever, Turkey Flat’s largest and most famous child is prettier and paler than before, lacking nothing in exuberance of strawberry and raspberry fruit, culminating in a lick of succulent sweetness that won’t mind a decent chill.
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