A single vineyard selection of truly remarkable Shiraz that was planted by the Helbig family in 1915. This vineyard is located on the western ridge of the famous Barossa Valley and has been a highly sought-after parcel for many of the Barossa’s leading winemakers. Luckily for the Ashmead family, they were able to acquire this vineyard in 2010, forever ending the race to get this amazing fruit.
In the glass, the wine presents a deep, inky crimson core with a vibrant purple rim, hinting at its youthful vitality and richness. The nose is an intense bouquet of ripe black plums and spiced red berries, layered with dark chocolate, liquorice, and a touch of clove. Subtle hints of vanilla and freshly turned earth add intrigue and complexity.
The palate is full-bodied and opulent, unfurling in waves of brooding dark fruit, think blackberry, cassis, and mulberry, all beautifully integrated with nuances of dark cocoa and savoury spice. A refined chalky minerality underpins the wine’s structure, while velvety, persistent tannins carry it to a long and seamless finish. There is immense power here, yet the wine moves with precision and grace, showcasing the remarkable harmony between fruit intensity, texture, and finesse.
Poised for a long life ahead, the 2021 Helbig 1915 Shiraz is seriously delicious now, but will evolve magnificently over the next 15 to 20 years.
