2023 Arila Gardens Single Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Deep crimson with notes of juicy satsuma plum, blueberry and boysenberry fruits daubed with spice, hints of citrus blossom, cherry ripe, gentle oak spice, olive tapenade, Christmas cake, violets and pan juices. Luscious and bursting with pure fruit, this is a lovely 'modern' Barossa style with structure below, but the main focus is on the quality of the fruit rather than winemaking artefact.

95 points Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion July 2025

Arila Gardens is a relatively young Barossa name with some seriously good vineyard material behind it. Founded by John and Alicia Edwards, the estate is based in the Moppa district of the northern Barossa, where old vineyards, dry conditions and ancient soils give Shiraz plenty of character. The Single Vineyard bottling takes a more site focused approach to Barossa Shiraz, looking for fragrance and savoury complexity alongside the region’s natural generosity.

The 2023 season was cooler and later than usual in the Barossa, a welcome contrast to some of the hotter years of the past decade. That extended ripening period gave Shiraz time to develop flavour while retaining freshness, resulting in a wine with dark fruit and depth but without pushing towards jamminess. There is structure here, but also enough spice and acidity to keep the wine moving.

Deep crimson purple, the bouquet opens with blackberry, black cherry and blueberry before violet, cracked pepper and liquorice appear. Black olive, dried rosemary, cocoa and a little smoked meat add a savoury undertow. The palate is full bodied but controlled, with dark plum and blackberry framed by firm, ripe tannins. Pepper, olive and bitter chocolate build through the middle before a long finish of dark fruit, spice and earthy complexity.

Korean galbi with sesame and spring onion would be terrific, alongside lamb ribs with cumin, smoky beef brisket, charred eggplant with harissa and tahini or beef cheek with creamy polenta. Our pick is the galbi. Sweet charred beef, sesame and soy are tailor made for Shiraz’s blackberry, pepper and savoury depth.

Cellaring: Drink now with a decant or cellar to 2038.