2021 Neldner Vineyard Shiraz
Handpicked grapes from an 80-year-old contoured Shiraz vineyard in Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley. Picked in the cool of the morning, 18% whole bunch with the rest whole berries destemmed into open fermenters, cold soaked before natural fermentation slowly occurring as it warmed. A long cool ferment spread over 9-10 days retaining all the lovely structure and flavour before being basket pressed into 30% new French oak with the rest seasoned USA and French where it underwent natural Malolactic fermentation.
WINE REVIEWS:
95 Points - Halliday Wine Companion
Shiraz from the 80-year-old vines of the Neldner Vineyard in Gomersal; 20% whole bunches, matured in French oak (30% new) and seasoned American oak. Bright crimson with lifted aromas of blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits. Dark and clove-like with a pinch of volatile acidity sending the blackcurrant notes into the pastille territory. There is a dark, broody presence on the palate with blackstrap licorice and dark chocolate tones coming through with plenty of ripe tannin and drive along its length. It's got some power.
95 Points - The Real Review
Incredibly deep, dark and opaquely black in the glass. Broodingly complex aromas of plum conserve, mulberry, graphite, sweet spice, liqueur chocolate and nutmeg oak. Opulent, decadent and intensely flavoured on the palate. There’s incredible density and power, it's chock full of dark, creamy fruits, sweet spice and oak. The acid and tannins do their job admirably and deliver cut, shape and texture. Impressive power and balance
94 Points - WBM Mike Bennie
Ultra potent wine of immense power and presence. A melange of dark and red berry fruits at the deeper end of the ripeness, sweet spices lavished on, panforte and choc-hazelnut characters in the mix, maraschino cherry suggestions and sweet earthiness/new leather in tow. No part of the palate misses out on flavour and it sticks around with mouth-saturating tannin too. Huge wine, finds its groove and verve well.
93 Points - Wine Pilot Jeni Port
According to the Barossa Old Vine Charter, the Neldner Vineyard planted in the mid-1950s is officially designated as old vine, fully mature with a root structure and trunk thickness that “encourages diversity of flavour and character.” Vibrant in deep red-purple hues, Neldner reveals a complex set of aromas and flavours heavily influenced by a distinctive savouriness. Earth, black fruits, bramble, plum are all spiced up in clove and allspice courtesy of time spent in new and aged American and French oak. Said oak also plays a role in the firm tannin structure of the wine. It sits well against a ripe fruited background influenced by savoury charcuterie, bacon fat and leather notes.
92+ Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 2021 Stonehouse Shiraz hails from the Neldner vineyard (Gomersal, in Barossa Valley), and within that, from 80-year-old vines planted on a contour. The open fermenters welcomed 10% whole bunches, and it had a wild ferment, then was basket pressed into 30% new French oak, the balance comprising seasoned American and French. On the nose, the wine leads with blueberry coulis, dark chocolate, salted licorice and blood plum. In the mouth, the tannins shape the fruit and guide it across the palate. The finish is decidedly drying and oak-laden, but the intensity of fruit suggests that this is a factor of its youth and will be absorbed in time. This is very smart, and it will be even better in years to come. Erin Larkin
98 Points - Wine Orbit Sam Kim (MW)
This is deeply flavoured and totally delicious, showing dark and purple fruit richness, cedary oak, charcuterie and mixed spice aromas with a dark chocolate undertone. The powerful full-bodied palate is wonderfully layered with plush texture and fine-grained tannins, making it sturdy and structured, yet velvety and luscious. At its best: 2026 to 2043. Feb 2023.