2025 Kalleske Zeitgeist Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Early picked shiraz, wild ferment, raised in stainless steel and bottle without sulphur dioxide. Deep magenta with a primal bouquet of blackberry, black cherry and macerated plum fruits, cut with graphite and coal dust, dark spice, blackforest cake, cold tea, licorice, dark chocolate and turned earth. Chewy and toothsome with sandy tannins and a thick swell of blackberry and cassis fruits. Unfettered, slightly broody, dark and pure. Drink 2025-2029.

93 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion (Special Value), October 2025

The GErman expression Zeitgeist translates roughly as spirits of the (current) times. This is Troy Kalleske's deliberate step away from the oaked Shiraz style that defines much of mainstream Barossa. Where Kalleske wines like the Greenock and Eduard spend months or years in hogsheads, Zeitgeist sees no oak at all, nor fining, filtration or sulphites. Bottled early from a cross section of Shiraz blocks across the certified organic and biodynamic family vineyard, the intention is to capture the vintage in its most immediate and honest form.

The result is a Barossa Shiraz that feels nothing like what most people expect from the region. Vibrant and light on its feet, it reads more like a natural Rhône red than a traditional Barossa expression. Bright ruby-red, the nose is lifted and primal with crushed red berries, floral perfume, mixed spice and red liquorice, maybe a hint of milk chocolate. The palate is energetic and juicy with generous fruit, light grippy tannins and a radiant, lengthy finish.

Enjoy while young with a slight chill. This would be a great allrounder for abundant tables where wine matching is not the focus. The wine will find its way, and bottles will be emptied faster than you anticipate.