2017 Stonewell Shiraz
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Fruit from Grope Gums, Grayson and Schrapel 2 in the Barossa Valley. Vineyards planted in 1998, 1962, 1964 on own roots. Vineyards are sand over clay loam and yellow clays. Farmed at 1–2.5 t/ha. A very wet and late vintage. Destemmed and fermented and macerated on skins for up to 2 weeks with some partial barrel-fermentation. Following pressing and clarification, the wine was matured in French oak hogsheads for approximately 18 months. Stainless steel for primary ferment, barrel for malo. 50% new French oak hogsheads, 50% 2- to 5-year-old French oak hogsheads. Screwcap. Rich aroma of eucalyptus and black fruits. Powerful, alcoholic. Intense, and the acidity sticks out a bit rather than adding freshness. Not my favourite style of wine, at least in this vintage. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Stonewell Shiraz is a very soft, fresh rendition of the variety, in what was a cool year. This is spicy and supple and layered with blood plum, boysenberry, mulberry, hints of blackberry and licorice. Cocoa dusting finishes the palate, which is shaped by fine, almost silty tannins. Very smart. The wine was matured for 18 months in 60% new French oak hogsheads. This wine proves that generalizations in wine are risky; generally, I have not been enamored by the red wines from Barossa in 2017, as many—important to distinguish this does not mean "all"—at this stage are beginning to fray and dry out. Perhaps they will come around, but I am not sure. Suffice to say, this wine bucks the perceptions I have of this season, for this variety, grown in this region. An important realization. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.