PIERRE JEAN VILLA Esprit d'Antan Syrah, Collines Rhodanienn

The three great Barossa red varietals are Mataro, Shiraz and Grenache. Blended well they produce wine full of fruit, complexity, spice, drink-ability and age-ability. These varieties arent afraid of the sun and dry climates, so they thrive in the northern sub-regions of the Barossa. The grapes for this wine are a combination of youngish, mature and older vines, all grown by the Hoffmann family. The Hoffman and OCallaghan family's history of growing grapes and making wines has developed into a strong trust over the decades. Its this long-term commitment, respect for each other, the region, and its people I feel is instrumental to making the Barossa proudly stand out from other wine regions. Im truly thankful to the Hoffman family for giving me the privilege of turning generations of their blood, sweat and tears into wine, that makes me proud, and you will love.

McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate and diverse soils contribute to the wine’s complexity, allowing the Octavian Shiraz to showcase ripe blackberry, plum, and mulberry notes, often complemented by undertones of dark chocolate, liquorice, and a subtle savoury edge. The palate is typically smooth and structured, with velvety tannins and balanced acidity, ensuring both immediate drinkability and cellaring potential. The influence of French and American oak adds depth and gentle spice, while the careful winemaking approach preserves the fruit’s purity and regional character.

Grange and St Henri once were equals. But as Grange's fame grew, St Henri was eclipsed. Now St Henri is again re–emerging from the shadow of Grange. Matured in large, old vats that impart little or no oak character, St Henri is Shiraz au naturel. '…a wine of effortless, refined persistence', says Tyson Stelzer, '…with a silky, supple mouth feel and yet somehow still firm and enduring'. Says James Halliday: 'A great St Henri that will come into its own in a bare minimum of 10 years, and live long thereafter'.

Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz.