Bethany Barossa Shiraz JGS 2022

A fine Barossa Shiraz from one of the oldest and most respected producers in the region, with the added benefit of it coming from a cracking vintage. JGS stands for Johann Gottlob Schrapel, who established the first settlement in the Barossa at Bethany in 1844, after arriving by ox cart and planting his first vineyards in 1852. A nice tribute, the family still run Bethany Wines. The colour is crimson/magenta and the nose offers earthy notes, florals, raspberries, cherries with rose petals, vanilla and cassis. A hint of meaty savouriness, as we move to the palate. This is soft, appealing with very silky tannins and hints of root vegetables emerge with time. A fine line of acidity, the wine is focused, seamless and with very good length. Eight to ten years. You have to wonder if Johann Gottlob ever thought the family would be making wines of this calibre.