Carl Albert Shiraz 2022

Estate Grown | Single Vineyard | Open Top Fermented | Basket Pressed

Carl Albert Shiraz is sourced from Block 4, a 4-acre single vineyard on the eastern slopes of Moppa Hill, located in the Barossa Valley.  This vineyard has an altitude of almost 400m which makes it the highest vineyard on the western side of the Barossa, a somewhat cooler site in a warmer region.  The soil is very stony red-brown earth with ironstone fragments over friable red-orange clay. With crop levels generally low, the 2022 vintage produced a total of 9 barrels from this site.  Only 6 barrels from what we call the Grand Cru section of the vineyard was selected for bottling.

The grapes were harvested on the 25^th of March, 100% de-stemmed into a small open top fermenter.  5-day cold soak followed by cool fermentation and extended maceration for a further 26 days.  Pump overs twice a day employed over the course of fermentation.  The wine is matured with minimal racking until being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Appearance:  Inky black almost to the rim with just a touch of crimson to separate the core.

Aroma:  The nose is layered and expressive, opening with rich blackberry and ripe plum, followed by black cherry and violet lift.  And a subtle savoury edge of roast meats, liquorice, olive tapenade, cracked pepper and dried herbs.  French oak maturation lends fine spice notes of cedar, clove, and cocoa without overpowering the fruit.

Palate:  The full-bodied palate is concentrated and beautifully structured.  Dark berry fruits carry through with mulberry and blackcurrant at the core, supported by graphite-like tannins and a cool, mineral line shaped by elevation and aspect.  The oak is seamlessly integrated, adding texture rather than weight.  Long and composed on the finish, with lingering dark fruit, spice, and a gentle savoury persistence that invites another sip.  A Shiraz of balance and restraint, shaped by altitude, aspect, and careful élevage—both powerful and finely detailed.

Region:  100% Barossa Valley  Sub Region:  100% Moppa Hill

Bottled:  Unfined and unfiltered on 18^th of December 2024

Production:  200 dozen

pH:  3.50

Total Acid:  6.16 g/L

Alcohol:  14.9%

Maturation:  18 months in 10% new French and 90% seasoned French oak hogsheads.

Winemaker:  Shawn Kalleske

Cellaring Potential:  25 years with careful cellaring

Last Tasted:  31/05/2026

Score: 95 points – Dave Brooks – Halliday Wine Companion 2027