Epic Negociants The Apollonian Shiraz 2018

The Apollonian showcases the classic 'old school Barossan' style that made the region famous - it combines power with elegance through vanillin oak integration and silky texture. Unlike some modern Australian Shiraz that can be overly jammy, this wine maintains structural integrity with building tannins and persistent acidity that provides backbone to the generous fruit flavours. The 95-point rating from Wine Orbit reflects this masterful balance between richness and refinement.

With its robust structure, building tannins, and persistent acidity, this Apollonian Shiraz has excellent cellaring potential of 10-15 years from vintage. The vanillin oak and full-bodied nature suggest it's built in the traditional Barossa style for long-term ageing. As it matures, the plum and blackcurrant flavours will develop more complex secondary characters while the tannins soften, creating an even more harmonious wine.

The wine's robust tannin structure and rich fruit profile make it perfect for hearty red meat dishes like slow-cooked lamb shanks, grilled ribeye steak, or barbecued beef ribs. The vanillin oak and silky texture also complement dishes with earthy flavours such as mushroom risotto or aged hard cheeses. The persistent acidity cuts through rich, fatty foods while the plum and blackcurrant notes enhance gamey meats like venison or duck.

The 95-point Wine Orbit rating reflects the wine's exceptional balance between power and elegance - a hallmark of great Barossa Shiraz. Critics particularly value how the vanillin oak integration creates silky texture without overwhelming the fruit, while the structural elements (tannins and acidity) provide the backbone needed for a wine of this calibre. The complexity from ripe dark fruits transitioning to softer red berry notes demonstrates the winemaking skill that defines premium Barossa Valley expressions.

Serve this full-bodied Shiraz at 16-18°C to allow the complex fruit flavours and oak integration to shine without the alcohol becoming too prominent. Given its robust tannin structure, decant for 1-2 hours before serving to help soften the tannins and allow the plum, blackcurrant, and vanilla notes to fully express themselves. The wine is drinking beautifully now but will continue to reward patience as the structural elements integrate further over the next decade.