2022 Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz, Barossa Valley is rich, bold, and unapologetically delicious—a modern Barossa red that manages to be both powerful and polished. It’s named for the vineyard’s last-minute rescue in 2000, when vines destined for the bulldozer were saved at the eleventh hour by the Massena team. Good thing, too—because those old vines now produce some of the most characterful Shiraz fruit in the region.

Crafted by Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins, the wine is made with a light touch in the winery—wild fermentations, no fining or filtration, and gentle oak handling. The focus is on preserving the fruit’s integrity and letting the vineyard tell its story. That story is juicy, dark, and full of energy.

It opens with ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, layered with cracked pepper, liquorice, dark chocolate and hints of dried herbs. The palate is plush and full bodied, but there’s balance—fine tannins, fresh acidity and savoury undertones that keep things from tipping into overindulgence. It’s silky, intense and dangerously easy to drink.

Perfect for smoky barbecue, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, sticky ribs, or a rich mushroom ragu. It’s the kind of wine that makes a statement without shouting—bold, but with brains.