2021 Stonegarden Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Shiraz sourced from vines planted in 1858 and the 1940s in the Eden Valley. Bright crimson in the glass with aromas of macerated satsuma plum, blackberry and blackcurrant pastille. Hints of violets, sage, licorice, bay leaf, roasting meats, panforte, salumi and earth. Full bodied with an elegant line, fine-grained tannins and plenty of drive and a sense of grace as it trails off.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au October 2024

These vines were planted in 1858 and the 1940s. The two blocks of Shiraz at Stonegarden provide an opportunity to make wine with depth and concentration. The cool Eden Valley climate also offers wines with spice, restraint, and an alluring natural acidity.

The 2021 vintage was a gift. Only a few vintages every decade combine all the natural elements with the planets aligning to create ‘perfect’ conditions for growing grapes and winemaking.

Some call it a Goldilocks vintage ‘not too hot…not too cold but……just right’. Others,” a unicorn vintage” as it is very rare. I call it Eden Valley at its finest

We hand harvested the Shiraz block in two passes, 15 days apart.  The initial early pick, was undertaken with the intention to maintain the fresh natural acidity and white pepper characteristics of the fruit. The second pick, added plush tannins, allspice and dark red berry fruit to the final blend. The latter ferment also comprised 20% whole bunches to add another layer of fruit complexity, and stalk tannins. Carefully matured in 500L French oak barrels, with 25% new wood and the balance, older, more seasoned barrels.

Seductive and poised its only just coming out of it shell after 2 years in bottle. I am convinced it has a long life ahead even at this early stage of its development.

Stonegarden Shiraz from Barossa Valley is a thrilling deep dive into the soul of one of Australia's oldest and most revered vineyards. The fruit comes from gnarly, dry-grown vines planted in the 1850s on the Stonegarden site, nestled high in the Eden Valley ranges. These ancient vines grow on rocky soils littered with quartz and granite, lending the wine a distinct minerality and depth that sets it apart from your typical plush Barossa Shiraz.

This is not a blockbuster style overloaded with oak and ripeness. Winemaker Glen Monaghan takes a gentle, hands-off approach, focusing on elegance, purity and site expression. Wild fermentation, extended skin contact and maturation in large seasoned oak all help preserve the fruit’s integrity and minerality.

In the glass, it opens with wild blackberry, dark plum and black cherry aromas, laced with black pepper, violets and crushed rock. The palate is both powerful and precise, with earthy tannins and bright natural acidity balancing the richness. There’s a ferrous, ironstone-like edge that speaks clearly of the vineyard’s ancient geology.

Long and tightly coiled, this is a Shiraz that will reward 15+ years in the cellar, but also sings now with chargrilled venison, duck with blackcurrant glaze or smoked eggplant and lentil stew.