2022 Kalleske Eduard Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley

The Eduard is sourced from three vineyard blocks on the Kalleske property that were planted between 1905 and 1971. Deep-set blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant pastille with some dabs of blueberry for good measure. Hints of baking spices, roasting meats, grilled figs, chocolate bullets, dark chocolate, blackforest cake, blackberry cream and earth. Full bodied and velvety with an array of dark spice and deep black fruit on the palate. Powdery tannin grip and a long roll of cassis on the exit. Drink 2025-2045.

95 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, April 2025

Karl Heinrich 'Eduard' Kalleske worked the family farm at Greenock from 1853 until the 1880s. The wine bearing his name draws on three dry-grown blocks on the certified organic and biodynamic estate, with the oldest planted in 1905. Over a century of growth on shallow Barossa soils with no irrigation results in low yields, with concentration and depth of character that cannot be manufactured.

Open top fermented with twice-daily hand pump-overs, basket pressed and matured for two years in new and seasoned American and French oak hogsheads before bottling unfined and unfiltered. The two-year oak maturation is the longest in the Kalleske range outside the Johann Georg, and it shows in the wine's structure and complexity.

Deep crimson, the nose is dense and layered, showing omplex aromas blackcurrant, dark plum, cured meat, dark chocolate and sweet balsamic with cedary oak and a savoury mineral depth. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with finely textured tannins, excellent length and a dry, composed finish. A powerful but surprisingly not a heavy wine. Shows real sophistication that will reward a decade or more in the cellar.

Slow-braised beef short ribs, aged hard cheese or a wagyu steak with good sauce. A wine that deserves unhurried attention. 

Drink now through 2038.