2021 Chaffey Bros Elijah Shiraz, Eden Valley

The 2021 vintage in the Barossa continues to deliver the goods! Sporting a super vibrant colour in the glass and detailed aromas of juicy plum, blueberry, exotic spice, wildflowers, dark chocolate, licorice, vanillin oak, turned earth and charcuterie. Velvety plush in the mouth with powdery tannin and a wonderful fruit presence and flow; long and true. It's a cracker.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

The Chaffey Bros Elijah Shiraz from Eden Valley is the flagship red of this small but dynamic Barossa-based family producer, showcasing both power and elegance. Chaffey Bros, founded by Daniel and Theo Callaghan with Daniel Hartwig, pays homage to the pioneering Chaffey brothers who helped shape the Barossa landscape in the 19th century. Today the winery is known for making expressive, terroir-driven wines with a modern edge, often highlighting Eden Valley’s cooler climate alongside Barossa Valley richness.

Elijah Shiraz is sourced from carefully selected old-vine Eden Valley vineyards, where the higher altitude, cooler nights and rocky soils provide intensity and fine structure. Grapes are handpicked and fermented in small open fermenters with a focus on minimal intervention. Ageing takes place in fine-grained French oak, largely seasoned, to integrate tannins and build complexity without masking the purity of fruit.

In the glass the wine is deep purple with a crimson rim. The nose is rich and perfumed, offering blackberry, dark plum and mulberry lifted by violet, pepper and subtle spice. On the palate it is full-bodied and layered, with ripe black fruits, dark chocolate, star anise and hints of graphite, balanced by firm but polished tannins. There is a freshness and lift that speaks of Eden Valley’s altitude, keeping the wine precise and elegant despite its depth. The finish is long and powerful, suggesting strong cellaring potential.

Food pairings include slow-cooked lamb shoulder, venison pie, or beef fillet with peppercorn sauce. It also works well with earthy vegetarian dishes such as wild mushroom ragù or roasted beetroot with thyme. With its structure and concentration, Elijah Shiraz will cellar beautifully for 12 to 15 years, evolving into a wine of savoury complexity.