Shiraz 2016 - Last Chance Deal #50268 - (3pk)

The Barossa Valley's unique terroir and climate create ideal conditions for Shiraz, producing wines with exceptional fruit concentration and complexity. This single vineyard expression showcases the region's ability to balance power with elegance, delivering the rich, velvety texture that Barossa is renowned for. The old vine fruit contributes to the wine's depth and intensity, while the valley's warm days and cool nights help preserve the bright acidity that frames the fruit beautifully.

The 2016 vintage represents a wine that has had time to develop secondary characteristics while retaining its primary fruit flavours. At eight years of age, this Shiraz is entering its optimal drinking window where the tannins have softened and the oak has integrated beautifully with the fruit. The wine's full-bodied structure and balanced acidity suggest it can continue to evolve gracefully for several more years, making it perfect for immediate enjoyment or short-term cellaring.

The wine's rich palate of mixed berries and dark chocolate, combined with herby spice aromatics, makes it an excellent match for grilled red meats, particularly lamb with rosemary or beef with pepper crusts. The velvety texture and full body can stand up to robust flavours like aged cheeses, mushroom-based dishes, or even dark chocolate desserts. The bright acidity helps cut through rich, fatty foods while the wine's complexity complements dishes with multiple flavour layers.

Small batch production allows winemakers to exercise greater control over every aspect of the winemaking process, from hand-selecting the best fruit to monitoring fermentation more closely. This attention to detail typically results in wines with more concentrated flavours and better expression of terroir, as seen in this Shiraz's intense fruit character and balanced structure. The limited production also means the winemaker can make decisions based on quality rather than quantity, often resulting in more premium, distinctive wines.

Serve this full-bodied Shiraz at cellar temperature (16-18°C) to allow its complex aromatics and flavours to fully express themselves. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving will help open up the wine's herby spice notes and soften any remaining tannins. Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place away from vibration, and given the wine's balanced structure and quality, it should continue to develop beautifully over the next few years if properly cellared.