Ben Glaetzer Bishops Shiraz 2021

Winemaking and Drinking

Introduction

Ben Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz is an exemplary wine that has garnered significant acclaim both domestically and internationally. Produced by the renowned Glaetzer family, this Shiraz embodies the rich viticultural history of the Barossa Valley, a region synonymous with some of the finest wines in the world. The 2021 vintage is particularly notable for its exceptional quality, balance, and depth, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and passion of winemaker Ben Glaetzer.

Background

The Glaetzer family has been a cornerstone of the Barossa Valley wine industry for over a century. Their journey began in the 1880s when the family emigrated from Germany to Australia, bringing with them a rich tradition of winemaking. The legacy continued to evolve with each generation, culminating in the establishment of Glaetzer Wines by Colin Glaetzer in 1995. His son, Ben Glaetzer, took the reins as winemaker, bringing a modern touch to the family's time-honored practices.

The Vineyard and Terroir

The grapes for the Ben Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz are sourced from carefully selected vineyards in the Barossa Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions. These vineyards are predominantly located in the sub regions of Ebenezer and Moppa, which are renowned for their old vine Shiraz grapes. The vines, some of which are over a century old, thrive in the valley’s unique terroir, characterized by rich red-brown earth over deep clay subsoil. This terroir imparts distinctive flavors and complexity to the grapes, contributing to the wine’s profound character.

Tasting Notes
The 2021 Bishop Shiraz bursts with aromatic intensity. On the nose, it reveals layers of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, accented by notes of licorice, black pepper, and a hint of vanilla oak. The palate is rich and full bodied, with silky tannins and a balanced acidity that carries flavors of ripe black fruit, chocolate, and spice. The finish is long, luxurious, and velvety, showcasing the wine's depth and complexity.

Winemaking
Ben Glaetzer employs meticulous techniques to preserve the character of the fruit. Hand picked grapes undergo cold soaking for optimal color and flavor extraction, followed by fermentation in small, open fermenters. The wine matures for 16 months in French oak barrels, with a combination of 40% new and 60% seasoned oak to enhance structure without overpowering the vibrant fruit profile.

Awards and Accolades

The 2021 Bishop Shiraz has earned critical acclaim, receiving high scores from wine critics and publications, including 94 points from James Halliday's Wine Companion. It continues to solidify its place as a benchmark for premium Barossa Shiraz, appealing to collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.

Rich in heritage, balance, and elegance, the Ben Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2021 is a testament to the enduring excellence of Australian winemaking.