2021 Teusner Righteous FG Shiraz, Barossa Valley

The 'FG' here does not stand for 'Fairly Grouse'. It stands for exactly what you think it does. Teusner has always been about relationships with growers and this obviously pays dividends over time. Lovely pure satsuma plum and black fruits, layers of spice, softly-spoken oak and an earthy, northern Barossa vibe. It's good. Calm and composed, silty tannins and a real sense of being comfortable in its own skin. FG alright. Drink to 2038.

96 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2024

Teusner Righteous FG Shiraz is a benchmark of full-throttle Barossa Shiraz at its finest in the coolest seasons, of which 2021 is an exemplar. This single vineyard in Seppeltsfield has risen to the occasion in a celebration of glossy blackberry and liquorice depth, set to a backdrop of high cocoa dark chocolate. Lively acidity and strong yet wonderfully fine-grained tannins carry an enduring finish. Stunning.

96 points Tyson Stelzer for Wine Business Magazine, August 2024

The FG in the name stands for First Growth, highlighting its status as one of Teusner’s most prestigious releases, made only in exceptional vintages from the best parcels of fruit. This is a bold and opulent expression of Shiraz, crafted from fruit grown in one of the region’s most prized vineyards, the Wilksch vineyard at Seppeltsfield.

2021 was a somewhat cooler season, allowing for long and even ripening. Fermentation took place in open vats with a significant portion of whole berries, with which twice-daily pump-overs. After a ten-day maceration, the wine was pressed into stainless steel, before being racked into fine grained French oak barrels that ranged in age from new to third fill. The final blend after a barrel selection process ended up including a 60% contribution of wine matured in new oak.

The wine greets with dark fruit aromas and ferrous earthy notes that flow onto the powerful, well-composed palate. Dark and glossy, fine tannins keep the deep and complex layers of savoury fruit, licorice, dark chocolate and spice in line. The palate is incredibly long, with an underlying freshness that hints of the long life this wine has ahead of it.

Give the wine plenty of air and enjoy with rich, slow-cooked dishes such as braised beef short ribs, roast lamb with rosemary, or chargrilled ribeye steak. Its bold structure and depth also complement aged cheeses and dark chocolate desserts.