The Grant Burge Balthasar Eden Valley Shiraz 2021 is a rich and complex wine that beautifully captures the essence of the Eden Valley terroir. Dark cherry, black plum, and dried spices of nutmeg, ginger, and caraway come together harmoniously, offering a lush, full-bodied palate complemented by lashings of cocoa powder. The fruit concentration in this Shiraz is exceptional, leading to a palate that’s both finely textured and dense with tannins. The fruit power persists throughout the palate, seamlessly integrating with the tannins to create a graceful, elegant finish that showcases both finesse and balance.

The 2021 vintage benefited from good autumn rainfall and sporadic rainfall through spring, which resulted in better-than-average fruit set. This was followed by cooler summer temperatures that allowed for even ripening and slow grape maturation, leading to exceptional phenolic ripeness and vibrant colour. The Eden Valley’s cool climate and long growing season provided the perfect conditions for this Shiraz to develop depth and complexity.

The wine was fermented in stainless steel at temperatures between 20-24°C, with gentle pump-overs performed four times a day during fermentation. After fermentation, the wine was gently pressed using a combination of basket and bag presses, then matured for 18 months in a blend of 30% new French hogsheads and 70% older French oak barrels and puncheons. This maturation method adds to the wine’s textural complexity and refined structure.

Grant Burge Balthasar Eden Valley Shiraz 2021 is a 96-point rated wine by James Halliday Wine Companion and has also received 92 points from Huon Hooke The Real Review. With its well-balanced fruit, elegant tannins, and complex aromas, it stands as a masterful expression of Shiraz from this historic Barossa Valley producer. The wine is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop with age.