Standish Schubert Theorem Shiraz 2022

Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Dan Standish is widely recognised as one of the Barossa Valley’s finest winemakers thanks to his visionary work at Torbreck winery. In 1999 he decided to found his own winery here based around an ancient parcel of vines that had previously been owned and farmed by his father. His approach to winemaking is heavily influenced by his experiences in the Rhone Valley, combining Old World techniques with the stunning terroir of the Barossa Valley. Dan only sells his very finest wines under the Standish label, with as much as 80% of the original blend sold off to other producers if it does not meet his exacting standards. This stunning Shiraz is a great example of Dan’s winemaking talent. It’s made from old Shiraz vines and vinified and aged in a combination of concrete eggs and French oak to add polish while showcasing the beauty of the fruit. Luscious cassis, blackberries and dark cherry dominate on the nose, followed by undertones of baking spice, sweet licorice, and woodsmoke. The first sip reveals a robust full body, firm tannins, and a long finish with plenty of ripe berry notes and hints of dark chocolate and ground coffee. After a few more years in the cellar you can expect the tannins to soften and extra complexity to develop, although it’s also a stunning bottle to pair with hearty barbecued ribs or a prime steak.

Price: £108.60 from 8wines UK