Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz, Langhorne Creek

Includes 'a little splash of malbec'; gold medal winner National Wine Show of Australia ’21. The base wines came from the 1997–2022 vintages. Has threaded the needle with lower dosages than usual (hence the gold medal), investing the wine with freshness and finely wrought tannins. Is there nothing outside the skills of Paul Hotker? Not to mention, value for money across the board.

95 points Special Value James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz from Langhorne Creek is one of Australia’s great festive classics, a richly spiced, berry laden, beautifully balanced sparkling red built on Bleasdale’s long history of Shiraz mastery. Langhorne Creek is a dream region for this style: cooling evening breezes off Lake Alexandrina, deep alluvial soils and consistently generous fruit create Shiraz that’s both plush and naturally fresh. Bleasdale has been working with these vineyards since the eighteen fifties, and their experience shows in the purity, energy and seamlessness of this cuvée.

The fruit is picked at perfect ripeness to capture deep colour, juicy flavours and spice. Primary fermentation unfolds like a still Shiraz, with gentle extraction to retain plush tannins. The wine then undergoes secondary fermentation to create the fine bead and creamy mousse, before maturing on lees to develop complexity. A calculated, subtle dosage follows to balance the wine’s natural depth, ensuring sweetness never overwhelms the structure. Bleasdale’s approach creates a wine that feels celebratory without being cloying, rich yet wonderfully drinkable.

The bouquet bursts with ripe blackberry, mulberry and dark cherry alongside notes of plum pudding, cocoa, cloves, liquorice and warm baking spices. A hint of pepper and a soft earthy undertone remind you of its Langhorne Creek roots. As the wine breathes, mocha, violets, vanilla and sweet oak complexity emerge, deepening the aromatic profile without losing brightness.

Mid palate generosity is the hallmark here. Juicy berry fruit rolls forward with plush texture, balanced by a vibrant sparkle that lifts and refreshes. Flavours of blackberry compote, black cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle chocolate glide through a creamy mousse, while soft tannins keep everything in line. There’s richness, but also clarity. The finish is long, smooth and lightly sweet with lingering dark fruit, spice and a savoury echo that keeps you coming back for another sip. It is delicious now and will evolve gracefully over four to six years, gaining truffle like and darker chocolate nuances.

This style absolutely shines with glazed ham, roast turkey, Christmas pudding, berry pavlova, chocolate desserts, barbecued meats, charcuterie, hard cheeses, or simply enjoyed as a celebratory aperitif. Served slightly chilled, it becomes even more vibrant and refreshing.