Ben Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2018

The Glaetzer family’s esteemed legacy in the Barossa Valley spans back to 1888, firmly entwined with the region’s rich viticultural history. It was Colin Glaetzer, with over 30 years of winemaking expertise, who founded the family winery, driven by a vision to produce limited quantities of super premium Barossa Valley red wines. Today, his son Ben carries on this legacy, crafting unique and elegant wines that are celebrated as quintessential Barossan classics. Glaetzer Wines sources all its fruit from the small sub-district of Ebenezer in the Northern Barossa Valley, renowned for its exceptional produce from ancient vines. The softness and elegance of the Ebenezer fruit, combined with Ben Glaetzer’s masterful winemaking approach, yield generous wines with profound depth of flavour, remarkable finesse and exquisite balance. Ben Glaetzer’s journey in winemaking began at Adelaide University in South Australia, where he honed his craft before joining the family business. His ability to harmonize traditional winemaking techniques with a modern sensibility resonates in the distinct style of wines under the Glaetzer label, characterized by minimal intervention and an unmistakable Barossan essence. Colin Glaetzer, acclaimed as the creator of some of the finest Barossa Valley wines, harnessed his extensive winemaking experience to establish Glaetzer Wines in 1995. The family’s dedication to producing boutique super premium wines has positioned the winery as a leader in crafting extraordinary Barossa Valley wines since its inaugural vintage in 1996. The Glaetzer mission revolves around the uncompromising focus on producing small-volume, super premium Barossa Valley wines, rooted in the belief that exceptional wines are crafted in the vineyard. This philosophy is epitomized by the utilization of century-old, non-grafted bush vines that yield remarkably low quantities of fruit, resulting in wines of unparalleled quality and distinction. The ancient dry-grown vineyards in Ebenezer, a vital part of Australia’s winemaking heritage, serve as a testament to traditional Barossa viticulture. The vineyards, predominantly non-irrigated, produce fruit of exceptional quality, with minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process to preserve the natural flavors. Fermentation, conducted with a specific neutral strain of yeast, is tailored to express the fruit’s intrinsic characteristics and extended skin contact enhances the wine’s softness, palate structure and tannin development. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in French and American hogshead barrels to undergo natural malolactic fermentation, allowing for a nuanced expression of the terroir. This meticulous approach culminates in the creation of unique, elegant wines that encapsulate the essence of the Barossa Valley and stand as enduring classics in the world of winemaking. The Glaetzer Bishop embodies the quintessence of Barossa Shiraz, exuding an elegant structure and boasting a lingering finish that resonates with finesse and depth. The name “Bishop” holds a significant familial connection, as it pays homage to Colin’s wife, Judith. The label is adorned with the symbol of Venus, a representation synonymous with women and feminine energy, evoking a profound and fitting tribute to the feminine influence within the Glaetzer family. In ancient mythology, the symbol of Venus was associated with the Roman goddess Venus and her Greek counterpart Aphrodite, symbolizing love and beauty. Moreover, this emblem has historical ties to ancient Egypt, serving as a subtle nod to the interconnectedness between Bishop and the esteemed Amon-Ra and Anaperenna further enriching the wine’s narrative with layers of cultural and mythological significance. Grown on the Ebenezer vineyard on 35 to 120-year-old vines with a yield of 3 tonnes per hectare. The wine was fermented in 1 and 2 tonne open fermenters, with extended maceration to enable good tannin and development. This softened the wine and allowed it to be approached early. It was matured for 16 months in a mix of 40% new oak and 60% 2 to 3-year-old oak hogshead barrels (90% French, 10% American). In the glass, the Ben Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2018 presents a deep, velvety crimson hue, hinting at the wine’s opulence and depth. The wine entices with an alluring bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark plums and vibrant blueberries, intertwined with captivating notes of dark chocolate, espresso and an intriguing hint of exotic spices. Subtle whispers of vanilla, cedar, and a delicate floral essence add layers of complexity and allure to the aromatic profile. Upon tasting, this distinguished Shiraz unveils a full-bodied, silky texture that envelops the palate with a symphony of flavors. Ripe black fruit compote mingles with nuances of mocha, liquorice and a subtle