Celebrating Another 97-Point Decanter Score!

We’re so excited to share the news from Decanter’s latest Barossa Shiraz 2023 vintage report Barossa Shiraz 2023: Vintage report and 40 top-scoring wines – Decanter

Our Stone Well Shiraz has earned an incredible 97 points! This outstanding score backs up our 2022 Shiraz, which also received 97 points from Decanter along with a special mention. It shows the amazing consistency our Stone Well vineyard continues to deliver year after year.

What makes this recognition even more special is how it reflects the beautiful story of the 2023 vintage. Mother Nature threw us some curveballs with one of the wettest springs on record. Our harvest ran nearly a month later than usual. But something magical happened in our vineyards.

The cooler, slower ripening conditions allowed our old Stone Well vines to develop the most exquisite complexity. Wine expert David Sly notes in his report that there’s been a wonderful shift happening in the Barossa. Winemakers are embracing a more elegant, refined style. This approach lets the true character of our ancient soils and vines shine through.

Decanter’s tasting note perfectly captures what we love about this wine: “The Stone Well vineyard that winemaker Belinda van Eyssen sources this fruit from is showing remarkable consistency. Its harmonious mix of fresh blueberry, redcurrant and a squeeze of bright raspberry is true, clean and assured. The wine is carried by a firm acid line. A modest palate weight sits in easy balance, allowing a swirling dance of gentle earthy flavours through a mid-palate framed by gentle savoury notes. Nothing pokes out awkwardly – a seamless, flawless expression.”

We’ve been named alongside some incredible producers like Alkina, Michael Hall, and Head Wines as leaders in this exciting evolution of Barossa winemaking. It’s about respecting the power and intensity of our old vines. At the same time, we celebrate the subtle, graceful expressions they can create.

The 2023 vintage perfectly showcased what happens when you listen to your vineyard. You let the fruit speak for itself. As fellow winemaker Amelia Nolan beautifully put it: “Any wines that are focused on expressing region, place and site are showing especially well from the 2023 vintage.”

We couldn’t agree more and we’re so grateful our Stone Well vineyard decided to show off in 2023!