Château Tanunda The Château Bethanian Shiraz 2020

I’ll confess, I’d never heard the word ‘Bethanian’ previously but, apparently, some Barossa locals use the term for the venerable old settlement of Bethany (settled back in the 1840s). Whatever the thinking behind this, Bethany (or Bethanian) is also a well-known and highly regarded sub-region of the Barossa. After destemming, the grapes spent a week on skins in small open top fermenters, before fermentation was allowed to begin. This wine then saw a single pressing of the Shiraz grapes, which are from a single vineyard, in a basket press, before 18 months maturation in a mix of French and American oak barrels, both new and seasoned. Needless to say, the wine offers everything you’d expect.

Dark maroon in colour, this is rich, with dry herbs, earthy notes (imagine a handful of freshly dug Barossa dirt trickling through your fingers) while full of chocolate and black fruit aromas. Vinous mud cake, anyone? Classic Barossa. There is oak evident but it is well integrated, although a touch toasty still, which suits the wine perfectly. Good concentration here, with a seductive texture, through to silky tannins with black olive notes coming through on a very long finish. This wine will drink superbly for at least a decade.