Krondorf 121 Settlers Barossa Valley Shiraz The 121 Settlers Old Vine Shiraz is sourced from a single site at the cooler southern extremity of Barossa, in St. Jakobi, abutting the western ridge of the Lyndoch sub-zone. Here, a conflation of red clay and loam promotes earlier ripening, a mitigating factor against inclement weather and the growing risk of early season frosts that Climate Change has foisted upon us. As importantly these dense soils imbue the wines with a firm tannic carriage, ensuring passage to greater complexity in the cellar, while serving as a structural harness for typically exuberant Barossan fruit. The average age of the vines is in excess of 35 years, with gnarled octogenarian survivors among them. Yields are inherently low as the established root systems reach deep below the soils substrata in search of water and the requisite nutrients drawn through it. Yet the fruit that is produced is immaculate: vibrant, concentrated and firmly stamped with the regional postcode of generosity. The winemaking is dutifully sensitive, chaperoning the fruit from vineyard to bottle with minimal intrusion: gravity feeds, gentle pigeage and 16-18 months in used, rather than new, oak. The result is one of dark fruit allusions from plum to blackberry, underlain by a potpourri of spice including black pepper, clove and star anise, all melded to a pungent thread of mineral. The oak is apparent, but only as an adjunct to propel the finish long. As with many Barossan greats, the fruit weight allows for early appeal, albeit, this is a wine that will easily cellar for 15 years onwards.

Pure cassis, freshly sawn cedar, green olive and violet aromas are well matched to spicy oak. It is then dry, juicy and sinewy on the palate – taut fruit matched by significant but fine tannins all in a medium-bodied style. It finishes with supreme length which with immaculate balance promises long aging potential.

Sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1921 these vines are all you would expect of a vineyard approaching 100 years of age, gnarled, twisted and expressing their many years of hardship.

Why do they make this style of thick, opulent wine in the Barossa? Because they can, and when done well, with all parts in harmony, intense engagement follows. The colour of an ominous thunder cloud, deep, rich aromas - so far, time in our cellar has seen hardly any change since release - perhaps, extra smoothness. This denotes a long and glorious future, although, those preferring a more youthful fruit profile will relish it's intense, smooth sumptuousness.. A Barossa classic to wow your friends.

HENSCHKE Marble Angel Vineyard Cabernet, Barossa Valley

Sourced from a single block on the Fabal vineyard in the north-west corner of the Barossa Valley, vines are grown on a very shallow red brown topsoil layer over an alkaline subsoil.

Don’t miss this rare chance to secure a magnificent wine from a top producer that’s in seriously short supply. Made by an acclaimed winemaker at the top of their game, this is a slice of wine history you don’t want to miss. Add it to your collection while you can.

VINEYARD: Paradigm Vineyard, Seppeltsfield Rd Marananga MATURATION: 20 Months in 225L French Oak Casks

Full-bodied and rich, this Barossa Shiraz displays notes of aromatic black fruit concentrates and touches of subtle oak. With fine tannins that support the palate for a complex finish and lasting impression.