Hentley Farm Clos Otto Shiraz 2018

The Clos Otto Shiraz has a unique backstory. It started almost thirty years ago when an elderly ex-German border control officer, Otto Kasper, bought a prized piece of land in Seppeltsfield.

Otto had zero experience of viticulture and didn’t even speak much English. He wore a grey trench-coat as he worked the vineyard, often alone, by hand. He did not irrigate the vineyard and everything was organic, well before the winemaking world had pivoted toward sustainable agriculture, or organics and even biodynamic viticulture. While he had a German background, no doubt the change and moving around the globe to pursue his dream had many challenges. Whether Otto chose his site by good management or good fortune, it turned out to be a good one now owned by Keith Hentschke, with the Clos Otto coming from the original vineyard.

What stands out about this wine is its sheer power. Deeply coloured it shows both the classic Barossa dark berry fruits as well as an intriguing savoury side of tar, mocha, liquorice, roasted meat and sweet oak aromas. It is all tightly coiled and only hints where it will peak. The palate is then muscular, bold and rich – the fruit dense and fleshy with plenty of well integrated tannins. That extraordinary fruit power then comes through on a finish that is superbly long and bright. It’s a keeper for sure and a fitting tribute to Otto Kasper.