Kaesler Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Deep, dark red in the glass, with a frothy and vibrantly red mousse. Complex aromas of cedar, dark fruits, pudding spice, earth and chocolate. Full bodied, fleshy and richly dark fruited in flavour. There's opulence and balance here, with firm tannins and punchy acidity keeping all in check

92 points Aaron Brasher for The Real Review, September 2025

Kaesler has been growing grapes on their Nuriootpa estate since the 1890s, and Shiraz averaging 60 years old underpins everything in this wine: a non-vintage sparkling built from a rolling blend of vintages stretching back to 1997, added to only in the best years. That accumulated depth is the foundation of the wine's complexity. A small addition of Touriga Nacional from the 2021 vintage is used at tirage, adding a further layer of interest to what is already a richly layered wine.

Deep ruby in the glass, the nose is bright and fragrant — dark fruits with genuine elegance and finesse. The palate is medium-bodied and generous, with mulberry, blackcurrant and blackberry at its core, a creamy mousse and a dry, clean finish. This is a sparkling red that sits comfortably at the table as much as the occasion.

Best served just chilled, not ice cold. Try it alongside roast duck, a well-seasoned charcuterie board or something as relaxed as a good breakfast spread with bacon and all the trimmings.

This is a vegan friendly wine.