2022 Nietschke Julius Shiraz

Description

After a long day in the vineyard, we are sure that Great Grandfather Julius would enjoy this classic Barossa Shiraz. A rich, full-bodied wine with ripe dark fruit flavours, complex oak characteristics and a long finish that whilst drinks well upon release will cellar gracefully for those with patience

Growing Season
The 2022 vintage was excellent. Winter was significantly wetter than average getting the vines off to a brilliant start leading into Spring which was cool with median rainfall. Summer was mild and dry apart from rain on the last day. Autumn remained mild with generally perfect mid-20s weather combined with cool nights ensuring steady even ripening across all varieties. The 2022 yields were good, and the quality is great, a classic Barossa vintage displaying rich flavours with fine balance.

Vineyard
Nietschke Julius is sourced from select vineyards across the premier North-Western Barossa, including the renowned Greenock sub-region.  The hand-pruned vines are low-yielding and are grown in shallow, sandy loam soil over deep red clay, providing ideal conditions for quality Shiraz.

Winemaking
The grapes were harvested in numerous batches from mid-March to mid-April.  Following fermentation for 7 to 14 days on skins in open top fermenters with hand pump-overs twice daily, the grapes were pressed, and the wine was aged in hogshead barrels for two years.  Both seasoned and new French and American oak was used.  Together with the Shiraz, a portion of Petit Verdot (5%), Durif (3%) and Cabernet (2%) was blended in adding further boldness and complexity.

Tasting Notes

2022 Nietschke Julius Shiraz is inky black in colour.

The aroma instantly evokes a powerful Barossa Shiraz awaits.  There are dark purple fruits, Christmas pudding, fragrant spices, brandy sauce, cherry ripe, violets and toasty oak.  Very engaging, alluring.

The ripe full-bodied palate is rich and generous.  Deep black fruits impress throughout.  Oak barrel maturation is evident, perfectly complimenting the lavish fruit.  Prominent dusty tannins add structure and a muscular backbone.  The wine is completed with a long, persistent finish.  Overall, a very inviting and flavoursome wine from a superb vintage.  Nietschke Julius is an extensive and balanced Barossa Shiraz that can be enjoyed now or will effortlessly cellar for 5-10 years.