2024 Kalleske Moppa Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Predominantly Moppa shiraz with just a dash of petit verdot (3%) and viognier (3%) matured for 12 months in 20% new French, American and Hungarian oak. Fleshy red and dark cherry with additions of plum and mulberry fruits. Edged with mixed spice and hints of violets, rose petals, fruitcake, dark chocolate and earth. The palate is pure and supple, with ample tannin and a seam of fresh acidity. Drink 2025-2035.

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

Moppa is the small district just north of the town of Greenock where the Kalleske family established their farm in 1853.

This wine has carried the name since the first vintage. The 2024 draws on ten different Shiraz blocks, with some planted in 1961, all certified organic and biodynamic. A small portion of Viognier was co-fermented on skins with part of the Shiraz. This practice lifts the overall perfume and adds aromatic complexity without adding palate weight. Petit Verdot rounds out the blend by adding to the structure and colour depth.

Traditional Barossa winemaking applied to organically grown fruit: wild fermented in open top fermenters with twice-daily hand pump-overs, basket pressed and matured for 12 months in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak hogsheads with 20% new.

The result is dark purple, the nose is inviting and layered with blackberry, plum, potpourri and spice and a background of toasty oak and milk chocolate. The palate is full-bodied and generous with juicy red and black fruits, fine-grained fleshy tannins, good structure and a long, well-balanced finish.

You can dish up some reasonably hearty fare with a wine like this, or just snuggle up during the cooler months.

Drink now through 2031.