Description
Johann Georg Shiraz is a single vineyard wine produced from an ancient vineyard on our Kalleske estate at Greenock, in the North-Western Barossa Valley. The vineyard was planted in 1875 and the gnarly, dry-grown vines produce extremely low yields. As this wine is from the oldest vineyard on our Kalleske farm, it is a fitting tribute to name the wine in honour of the first Kalleske to migrate to Australia.
Johann Georg Kalleske migrated from Prussia to South Australia in 1838 aboard the Prince George. Johann’s descendants now meticulously tend the Johann Georg vineyard planted two centuries ago. An amazing wine, produced in tiny quantities and destined for long term cellaring, Johann Georg Shiraz is truly something special.
Growing Season
Vintage 2020 has delivered wines of amazing quality. However, quantity is very limited, with it being one of the lowest grape yields ever in the Barossa at around 50% of average. Yields were dire due to a combination of early mild frost conditions, then a notably windy period (45% windier) around flowering leading to poor set (not many berries) followed by some hot days in November and an overall dry growing season (34% down). Notably, quality is of the highest echelon with rich colours and intense robust flavours.
Vineyard
This vineyard was planted in 1875 and produces very low yields of around one tonne per acre from old, gnarly, dry grown vines. The top soil is sandy with excellent clay subsoil.
Winemaking
The ancient Shiraz vines were hand-picked on March 3rd and the grapes destemmed into a small open top fermenter. The grapes were fermented for twelve days where a heading down screen was employed to submerge the skins throughout the fermentation ensuring gentle colour and flavour extraction. The must was pressed and filled to new and seasoned French oak hogsheads. The wine was matured for two years prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
2020 Johann Georg Shiraz is inky black in colour.
Aroma:
It surges from the glass with epic and dynamic aromatics. Initial notes of cherry ripe and glossy black fruits evolve to rose perfume and sarsaparilla followed by spice, cedary oak and charcuterie.
Palate:
It is full-bodied with powerful dark fruits throughout. The natural tannins are finely structured, perfectly integrated, adding muscular poise to the pristine palate. Classy oak assimilates seamlessly with the rich bright fruit. The length is superb, going on for a very long time, conferring an adept finish to this distinguished ancient vine Barossa Shiraz.
Recommended Drinking:
Johann Georg is a superb wine that will ultimately benefit from a decade or two in the cellar.