Bethany GR Barossa Valley Reserve Shiraz 2018

Cracking Barossa shiraz from a superb vintage. Bethany identify their very finest shiraz for this wine and it shows. This is surely one of the very best wines made by Geoff and Robert Schrapel. It is made with fruit from a small patch of old vines – 80 to 100 years of age – from near the foothills of the Barossa Ranges which have proven themselves worthy over many years. The grapes went to four tonne fermenters, before being matured in a mix of 70% new French and American oak for 18 months. A percentage of whole berries were included. 

This is inky black with crimson rims. Dense and chocolatey with real concentration and coiled power, yet always maintaining balance and never becoming too heavy. Great aromatics. Black fruits, liquorice, mocha and coffee bean notes. There is a delightful freshness to match with those silky, velvety tannins. There is oak, but the fruit simply sucks it up and asks for more. The plushness cannot hide the classic structure and this is a wine for the long haul, or enjoy it as soon as suits you. Gorgeous either way.