We think Pete Schell has broken the mould with this release. This is a deviation from the high-octane, overly sweet examples that helped establish the style, yet it maintains the essence of what’s adored about Australian Sparkling Shiraz. With low sugar (3.5 g/L), varietal definition and a permeation of mineral and savoury notes, this walks the tightrope between outright power and perfect balance.
The base wine was vinified from a gnarly, 1898 vineyard grown in the deep sands of Vine Vale, Barossa. It’s comprised of mostly the 2005 vintage with contributions from 2006 and 2007, and spent three years in barrel followed by 10 years on lees.