2023 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
Vintage 2023 has produced exceptional wines. It was the longest and latest on record, stretching from mid-March to early-May. The vines got off to a superb start with a wet and cool Spring providing plenty of sub-soil moisture for the growing season ahead. Summer brought typically average temperatures and was generally dry with occasional finite rain. The vines were in fantastic condition for slow and steady ripening into Autumn with its mild days, cool nights, and isolated light rain. Yields from 2023 are good and quality is excellent.

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 early April to early May. 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 (9%) and Durif (5%) were blended in adding further boldness and complexity.

Tasting Notes

2023 Nietschke Julius presents a captivating dark purple-black hue, hinting at the depth and intensity within.

The aroma bursts to life with an opulent bouquet of spiced Christmas cake, luscious plum jam, and a medley of dried fruits, layered with smoky oak, polished leather, chocolate, and blackstrap molasses, a promise of the richness to come.

On the palate, this full-bodied Barossa Shiraz delivers unabashed power and generosity. Waves of ripe dark fruits meld seamlessly with toasty, cedary oak, while fine, impeccably integrated tannins provide structure and core. The finish is immense, leaving a lasting impression of depth and complexity.

A masterfully balanced expression of Barossa Shiraz, the 2023 Nietschke Julius is delicious now yet will gracefully evolve over the next 5–10 years