2013 Bannockburn De La Roche Shiraz, Geelong

Planted in 2007, this 0.8-hectare vineyard lies on higher ground above the 'De La Terre' slope, so essentially it’s a westerly extension of the 'Serré' vineyard. The vines came from cuttings taken from Best’s and Tahbilk. The name ‘From the Rocks’ alludes to the plethora of volcanic rocks that litter the soil of this parcel. Again, the planting density of 10,000 vines/ha results in a naturally low yield of just 500g per vine (or less). To put this in perspective, Bannockburn’s old-vine Shiraz from the Range vineyard – already a low-yielding site – crops closer to 1.5-2kg per vine.

Fermented with 100% whole bunches and raised in 500-litre seasoned puncheons for 24 months, the 2013 is a super complex, layered wine brimming with deep, lifted blackberry, tapenade and liquorice-like complexity. Its mouth-filling and textured, yet at the same time very detailed, with the rich fruit nicely balanced with whole-bunch freshness and that racy, saline minerality that Bannockburn reds carry.

Surely the finest Bannockburn Syrah offered to date.

The 2013 Bannockburn De La Roche Shiraz from Geelong is a striking and evocative cool-climate red that speaks with the confidence of site, vintage, and winemaking pedigree. Sourced from a tiny plot within the estate’s original plantings, De La Roche is Bannockburn’s most limited and expressive Shiraz—savoury, structured, and layered with complexity that only time can reveal.

Bannockburn Vineyards, established in 1974, has long been a trailblazer for serious, terroir-driven wines in Victoria’s Geelong region. Known for its commitment to minimal intervention and a Burgundian mindset, Bannockburn treats Shiraz with the same level of nuance and site respect typically reserved for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The De La Roche block is home to gnarled old vines rooted in volcanic and clay soils, giving natural concentration, perfume, and a distinctive ironstone edge to the wine.

2013 was a warm, low-yielding vintage in Geelong, resulting in small berries with intense colour and flavour. The De La Roche Shiraz was fermented with a high proportion of whole bunches, enhancing aromatic lift, structure, and spice. It was matured in a mix of older French oak barrels for added texture and savoury depth without overt oak character.

Now with over a decade of age, the 2013 shows wild dark berries, crushed black pepper, smoked meat, and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is fine-boned yet persistent, with red plum, olive tapenade, earth and a gentle grip of whole-bunch tannin holding everything together. The finish is long, mineral, and just beginning to reveal tertiary notes of leather and cured spice.

A brilliant match for game meats, mushroom dishes or aged hard cheeses, the 2013 Bannockburn De La Roche Shiraz is a benchmark cool-climate Australian Shiraz with grace, intellect, and longevity.