A few words on Bannockburn Shiraz

The earliest plantings at Bannockburn Vineyards date back to 1974, when Shiraz vines were introduced—the same year that Stuart established our business. The unique character of this variety has been integral to our development as a successful producer, and after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Shiraz represents the third largest volume of vineyard.

In our cool climate, the long and slow ripening period for Shiraz yields complex, savoury, spicy flavours. Longtime fans of Bannockburn Shiraz have undoubtedly experienced the full spectrum of vineyard, winemaking, and seasonal influences through our bottlings over the years. However, the recent series of cool vintages has allowed us to refine our Shiraz style, emphasizing the fresh and compelling aspects of this variety. This refinement culminated in the 2022 vintage, which is no doubt our most successful thus far in this style.

Matt has carefully moderated the influence of stems and new oak in the estate blend, focusing on the cool, spicy, and fragrant elements of the variety while retaining freshness and bright fruit purity. This approach results in a medium-bodied wine with ethereal perfume, elegance, and high drinkability. Lucas and the team’s commitment to organic farming practices further enhances the wine’s expression, ensuring that we cultivate the healthiest grapes possible in moderate, balanced yields.

Some wine critics have remarked that Bannockburn Shiraz is a 'Pinot Noir drinker’s Shiraz,' a comparison we embrace, especially fitting for the 2022 expression... not in the flavour spectrum, but in the way the wine 'feels'.

Bannockburn Shiraz is crafted from a blend of estate fruit sourced from our established vineyards, including the oldest vines planted in 1974 and newer high-density plantings. This release features fruit from the Range (1974), Winery Block (1990, 1996), and De La Roche (2007) vineyards. The clonal mix includes PT23, R6WV28, and ‘Best’s Old Block,’ with various vine spacings and planting densities.
Handpicked fruit parcels were wild fermented separately, incorporating approximately 10% whole bunches, including a portion of carbonic maceration. After pressing, the wine was racked into a combination of hogsheads and puncheons, with 10% being new oak. It was left undisturbed for 10 months before being transferred to two 1200-liter old oak vats for an additional 6 months of maturation.
The 2022 Shiraz presents aromas of blueberry, violets, white pepper, and autumnal notes—characteristics typical of our site. On the palate, it is elegant, cool, and long, featuring flavours of red and blue fruits, olives, cured meats, and charred wood oven notes. The finish is savoury and spicy, with pleasing acidity and freshness that complements the wine’s richness.

Delicious... and at $45 represents a bit of a bargain too. Cheers!