2018 Kurtz Schmick Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Deep crimson in the glass with opulent aromas of crème de cassis, plum jam, blackberry pastille and black cherry along with hints of baking spices, dark chocolate, espresso, cedar and vanillin oak. Full bodied and fruit pure with bright acidity, gravelly tannin heft and a pleasing, persistent finish that is packed with cassis-like fruits and a plume of spice and licorice. One for lovers of muscular Barossan styles.

92 points DB winecompanion.com.au

The Kurtz family are fifth generation Barossans of German descent. The original Kurtz Family Vineyard was planted in the 1930s, with vines still in use today. These vines, together with later plantings and acquisitions in the fifties and sixties, allow fourth generation grapegrower and vigneron, Steve Kurtz, to draw on significant old-vine fruit to create a range of wines that are fine examples of the traditional Barossa style – full flavoured reds that are rich on the nose and palate.
The ‘Schmick’ range is selected from the finest barrels from the best Barossa vineyards of the vintage. These are wines we think look pretty schmick – smart, stylish and particularly good.

2018 Schmick Shiraz was sourced from the Old R6 and Shed blocks on the Kurtz Family Light Pass vineyard, known for concentrated depth of flavour, fruit complexity and structure.

Deep purple with dark magenta-red hues. A rich, concentrated nose with ripe, dark fruit aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry and bloodplum. Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, liquorice, woody herbs and fine cedary oak provide multiple layers of complexity.

Full bodied and textural, with intense, concentrated, flavours of ripe black fruits, with hints of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, coffee beans and earthy black truffles. The palate is drawn together and given focus with lightly charred oak, balanced acidity and firm yet fine-grained tannins that provide structure, velvety mouthfeel and exceptional length of flavour.

While suitable for current consumption, this wine will integrate and develop further complexity, rewarding careful cellaring for 20 years or more. Decanting prior to serving is recommended. ‘Schmick’ Shiraz is an ideal match with grilled, pan-fried or roasted red meats, and other full-flavoured dishes.