Frequently Asked Questions
The 'Old Vine' designation indicates this Shiraz comes from mature vines that are typically 30+ years old, producing grapes with concentrated flavours and complexity that younger vines simply cannot achieve. These ancient root systems dig deep into Barossa's rich soils, accessing minerals and nutrients that create the wine's distinctive character. The result is a more nuanced, structured wine with greater depth than standard Barossa Shiraz offerings.
Serve this wine at 16-18°C to showcase its rich blackberry and chocolate notes alongside the savoury black olive characteristics. The full-bodied nature makes it perfect for hearty dishes like grilled lamb, beef roasts, or aged cheeses where the wine's structure can complement rather than overpower the food. Decant for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow the complex flavours to fully express themselves.
Multiple 95-point scores from respected critics like Ray Jordan and Wine Orbit indicate exceptional quality that places this wine in the top tier of Australian Shiraz. These ratings reflect the wine's perfect balance of fruit concentration, structural integrity, and ageing potential. When multiple critics independently award such high scores, it demonstrates consistent excellence and suggests this vintage represents outstanding value for a premium Barossa Shiraz.
This full-bodied old vine Shiraz from the excellent 2021 vintage has the structure and concentration to cellar beautifully for 8-12 years. The tannin backbone and natural acidity will allow the wine to develop more complex secondary flavours like leather, tobacco, and earthy notes while maintaining its core fruit character. Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place at 12-15°C for optimal development.
Barossa's warm continental climate and ancient soils create perfect conditions for Shiraz to develop its signature rich, full-bodied character that this wine exemplifies. The region's old vine heritage, some dating back to the 1840s, produces fruit with exceptional concentration and complexity. Barossa's elevation variations and diverse soil types allow winemakers like Schild Estate to craft Shiraz with both power and elegance, explaining why the region remains Australia's most celebrated Shiraz territory.