Burge Family Winemakers Homestead Old Vines Shiraz, Mataro 2021
G 94
This Barossa red blend hails from the superb 2021 vintage and this is apparent right from the outset. Under cork. An opaque maroon hue, the nose gives us notes of dried herbs, chocolate, aniseed, mocha, plums, truffles, mulberries and kirsch and it is evident that there is good oak integration here. A sleek texture, fine tannins, bright acidity and very good length complete the picture. Terrific wine and great value. Enjoy for the next 10–12 years. Drink now–2037 Charles Melton The Father-in-Law Shiraz 2022 G 94 This is a single vineyard Barossa Shiraz from a vineyard planted in 2000 by Charlie Melton’s father-in-law. There are rumours that Charlie suggested his later years could be better spent in other pursuits, but presumably wine and vineyards must run in the extended family. The wine spent three years in a mix of French and American oak barriques, 40% of them new. A dark crimson colour, there is excellent oak integration here. The nose gives us touches of vanilla, cinnamon, red fruits, raspberries, a hint of cold tea, cherries and a character not unlike a creamy red fruit compote. Generous in style, with a seductive texture and sleek tannins, there is good acidity running the journey. The wine is well balanced and very long. Enjoy this over the next 10–15 years. Charlie may have changed his tune somewhat, given the quality of the fruit. Drink now–2040 Charles Melton The Kirche Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 94 Those who have been to the Melton Estate in the Barossa Valley will be aware of the beautiful ancient church in the vineyards, near the entrance gate. This is known as the Kirche, and is now providing superb accommodation. If you’re interested, get in touch with the Estate. It dates back to 1864, which is even older than most of the vines in the region. This wine is a blend of 64% Shiraz and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon. Three-quarters of the oak is French with the remainder American; 30% of all the oak is new. Red cherry/crimson in colour, the nose reveals notes of dried herbs, redcurrants, kirsch, bay leaves, warm earth and cherries. The wine is both generous and fresh, with good energy and serious length. A line of bright acidity runs the length and there are fine tannins on the finish. Ideally, give the wine two or three years in the cellar before opening and then enjoy it over the following decade. Drink now–2035 Craneford Marananga Sands Grenache 2024 G 94 Grenache from the heart of the Barossa Valley, the sub-region of Marananga. The vineyard is low yielding with bush vines. Maturation was in older French oak puncheons for a year. The 2024 vintage is proving to be another excellent one and this is certainly apparent here. Pale crimson with a cherry edge, there is a lovely earthy/sandy note here. The nose reveals notes of raspberries and strawberries and that hint of fine earth on a warm day, supported by dry herbs and bay leaves. There’s even a touch of orange rind evident, with floral notes. The structure is seamless with juicy acidity, good focus and energy, and very good length which lingers beautifully. Enjoy this over the next 6–8 years. Drink now–2033
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
105
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