2023 Kurtz Seven Sleepers Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Kurtz Family Vineyards Seven Sleepers Shiraz from the Barossa Valley is a rich, full-bodied red that captures the region’s bold style with a plush, fruit-forward core and a generous dose of Barossa personality. Named after the old vine block where the Shiraz is grown — said to be so tranquil that the vineyard workers called it the land of the seven sleepers — this wine is made for those who love their reds opulent, smooth, and deeply flavoured.

The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards in Light Pass, where warm days and ancient red soils produce deeply coloured, flavour-packed grapes. Fermentation takes place in small batches, followed by maturation in a combination of French and American oak, which adds spice, mocha and rounded tannins to the wine’s already powerful frame.

The nose is lush and expressive, offering ripe blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, vanilla, clove and a hint of licorice. On the palate, it’s dense and velvety, with layers of dark fruit, black forest cake, toasted oak and a warming spice note. Tannins are smooth and mouthcoating, finishing long with a touch of pepper and dark cocoa.

Food pairing: ideal with barbecued ribs, grilled steaks, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or smoky eggplant dishes. Also great with aged cheddar or sticky beef short ribs.

Cellar potential: drinking beautifully now for its plushness and depth, but will hold comfortably for 6 to 10 years, developing more spice, leather and earthy nuance.