Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2019

This Filsell Shiraz comes from the same century-old vineyard that produces Grant Burge's premium Meshach, which sells for hundreds of dollars per bottle. The ancient vines deliver exceptional concentration and complexity, while 18 months in American and French oak (35% new) adds layers of vanilla and spice. At this price point, you're essentially getting flagship vineyard fruit with meticulous winemaking at a fraction of the cost.

This wine is built for the long haul and can be cellared for up to two decades thanks to its full-bodied structure and quality oak maturation. The tannin backbone from old vine fruit and extended oak aging will allow it to develop greater complexity over time. While delicious now with its vibrant plum and mocha flavours, patience will be rewarded with tertiary notes of leather, earth, and integrated spice developing through the 2030s.

The rich mocha and dark plum characteristics make this perfect for hearty red meat dishes like slow-cooked lamb shanks, grilled ribeye, or barbecued beef ribs. The chocolate undertones complement game meats beautifully, while the sweet spice notes pair wonderfully with Middle Eastern or North African cuisine. For cheese lovers, try it with aged cheddar or blue cheese to complement the wine's intensity and oak influence.

Huon Hooke's 95-point rating reflects the exceptional quality achieved through old vine fruit and careful oak management. The combination of century-old vines delivering concentrated flavours, plus the sophisticated use of both American and French oak, creates remarkable complexity for the price point. Grant Burge's Five Red Star Halliday rating as a winery also demonstrates their consistent excellence in crafting premium Barossa Shiraz year after year.

The blend of American and French oak creates a more complex flavour profile than using just one type. American oak typically contributes vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice notes that complement Shiraz's natural fruit intensity, while French oak adds more subtle tannins and savoury complexity. The 18-month maturation period allows these different oak characters to integrate seamlessly, creating the wine's signature mocha and sweet spice characteristics without overwhelming the blood plum fruit.