2023 Heirloom Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Barossa shiraz matured for 18 months in American and French oak. Ripe, plummy, red cherry and blackberry fruits with a blast of blueberry. Hints of licorice, violets, dark chocolate, mace, Cherry Ripe, choc-mint and earth. Fruit pure on the palate, with some blackberry joining in, and fine, grippy, sandy tannins providing support as it slowly trails off.

91 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Heirloom Shiraz from Barossa Valley is a rich, opulent red that captures the depth, warmth and generosity that have made this region iconic for Shiraz. Crafted by Elena Brooks, a winemaker known for combining power with precision, this wine is made from old vine fruit grown in select Barossa subregions where deep red clay and loam soils produce wines of structure and bold fruit expression.

The grapes are hand harvested from low-yielding vineyards, then wild fermented and aged in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels. Elena Brooks favours a restrained hand with oak and extraction, allowing the purity of the fruit and the Barossa’s natural richness to shine while maintaining freshness and balance.

This wine opens with intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, dark cherry and licorice, layered with dark chocolate, espresso, and hints of pepper and sage. The palate is full bodied, velvety and concentrated, with mouth-coating tannins and a long, spice-laden finish. It’s powerful, but with a polished edge that makes it equally suitable for cellaring or decanting for early enjoyment.

Ideal food pairings include slow-braised beef cheeks, lamb shanks with rosemary and red wine jus, grilled portobello mushrooms or a smoked brisket. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego or clothbound cheddar also pair beautifully. Best enjoyed over the next 10 to 15 years as it softens and gains complexity.