2023 JC's Own Shiraz, Greenock Barossa Valley

JC’s Own Shiraz from Greenock in the Barossa Valley is a bold yet beautifully balanced expression of the region, showcasing Jaysen Collins’ intuitive and adventurous approach to winemaking. Known for creating wines that blend authenticity with raw energy, Collins crafts this Shiraz with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard’s distinct personality to shine through. The result is a wine that’s rich, textural, and unashamedly Barossa, yet refined and full of life.

The fruit is sourced from dry-grown vines in Greenock, one of the Barossa Valley’s most prized subregions, where red clay over limestone soils and warm days tempered by cool evenings produce intensely flavoured berries. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts in small open fermenters, with gentle hand plunging and partial whole bunch inclusion to build aromatic lift and texture. The wine is matured in a mix of seasoned French oak puncheons and foudres, allowing complexity to develop without overshadowing the fruit.

In the glass it shows deep crimson with purple edges. The aroma is opulent yet fresh, revealing blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry alongside notes of spice, violet, cocoa, and subtle earth. The palate is full bodied and plush, with layers of dark fruit, pepper, and savoury herbs supported by supple tannins and vibrant acidity. There’s power here, but also restraint — a clarity of fruit that speaks of both place and balance. The finish is long, silky, and gently spiced.

It pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, roast lamb, or braised short ribs, and is equally satisfying with mushroom-based dishes or aged cheeses. While inviting now, it will continue to evolve over ten to fifteen years, gaining further depth and savoury complexity.