Bannockburn Shiraz 2023

Product Description:
Cool-climate spice, savoury complexity and old-vine concentration define the Bannockburn Shiraz 2023, a distinctive estate-grown expression from Victoria’s Geelong region. Shiraz has played an integral role at Bannockburn Vineyards since the estate’s earliest plantings were established in 1974. The 2023 release combines fruit from the Range vineyard, planted in 1974, the Winery Block, planted in 1990 and 1996, and the densely planted De La Roche vineyard, established in 2007. Its clonal composition includes PT23, R6WV28 and material known as Best’s Old Block, bringing together vines of different ages, spacings and planting densities. The cool and light-cropping 2023 season produced a refined, medium-bodied wine with excellent fruit concentration, freshness and savoury definition.

Each vineyard parcel was handpicked and fermented separately with indigenous yeast, allowing the character of the individual blocks to remain clearly expressed. Approximately 10% whole bunches were incorporated into the final blend, including a portion that underwent carbonic maceration to enhance fragrance, energy and fruit purity. After pressing, the wine was transferred to French oak hogsheads and puncheons, of which approximately 10% were new. It remained undisturbed in barrel for 10 months before being transferred to 1,200-litre seasoned oak vats for an additional six months of maturation. The resulting wine combines blueberry, red cherry and darker fruit with black pepper, clove, dried herbs, olive and subtle charcuterie notes. Fine oak and a gravelly mineral character add further complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The palate is succulent yet composed, with vibrant acidity and long, elegant tannins supporting its savoury core. Polished, focused and quietly powerful, the Bannockburn Shiraz 2023 offers immediate pleasure while possessing the structure to develop gracefully in bottle.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Expressive and savoury
Blueberry, red and black cherry, clove and cracked black pepper layered with dried herbs, gravel and finely integrated oak.

PALATE
– Succulent and poised
Red and blue fruits supported by cool-climate spice, savoury herbs, black olive and fine, gravelly tannins.

FINISH
– Long and elegant
Persistent pepper, dried herbs, dark fruit and mineral detail carried by polished, finely structured tannins.

Reviews & Accolades
“Admittedly I have a preference for this style of shiraz but this 2023 is a ripper release. It’s peppery. It shows its whole bunch influences in its twiggy herb and nut-like inflections, and in its stringy tannin, and perhaps in its smoky notes too. But the fruit still feels pure and red/black cherried, and those aforementioned black pepper notes ping both energetically, and deliciously, throughout. This year’s Bannockburn Shiraz has a bit of extra spark. It has excellent length, polish, fruit, mouthfeel and all those things. But it exudes that extra something, that star quality” — Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 95 Points

“Made with approximately 10% whole bunch, including a portion of carbonic maceration, and matured in French hogsheads and puncheons (10% new). A medium, bright crimson ruby. More savoury, in a good way, than the '22. Aromas of dark cherry, hung meat, a little freshly churned earth and potpourri precede the palate, which is elegantly wrought, balanced and very persistent. A delicious and very well put together wine to drink now and over the next five to seven years, if not longer.” — Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 95 Points

“Vibrant and lifted aromas of black and red fruits, with an earthy undertone carrying notes of herbs, cracked pepper, olives and charcuterie. The palate is medium-bodied, with finely tuned tannins and a plush, textural mouthfeel. From a cool vintage, this has plenty of lift and freshness, with a savory backbone. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” — Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com, 95 Points

Finer Details:
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Shiraz
Country – Australia
Region – Victoria, Geelong
Vintage – 2023
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 13%