Balthazar of the Barossa vineyard is located on Stonewell Road, Marananga - a celebrated Barossa shiraz microcosm.  

The Balthazar of the Barossa vineyard was replanted in the 1990s on what was an original 19th century vineyard . The Shiraz vines were painstakingly sourced from one of the oldest known vineyards in the Barossa Valley whose origins date to 1847.

They are embedded in terra-rossa soil on the vineyard's pinnacle sun-drenched slope, and nurtured with hand pruning and sustainable practices including organic, straw mulching and minimal irrigation from the eco-dam, to achieve premium quality wine grapes. The result is small parcels of grapes bearing rich intensity of flavour, brilliant colour, inherent balance and optimal ripeness.

The crafting of Balthazar of the Barossa Shiraz begins with vinification in small open fermenters for 7-8 days, under temperature control with twice daily manual pumping over, to extract maximum colour and flavour. The wine is then racked and transferred into French and American oak barrels where it undergoes secondary malolactic fermentation in barrel. Balthazar of the Barossa Shiraz is then racked and returned back into barrel for maturation up to 24 months, before being bottled and labeled with Balthazar's international gold award winning label.

Cheers,
Anita Bowen
Vigneron & Winemaker

This 5th release from Balthazar vineyard epitomises my "modern" take on classic Barossa Shiraz. Pure expression of varietal character supported, not dominated, by premium oak and providing a pleasurable, spicy, complex and lasting experience on the palate. A wine to enjoy now and with greater potential for future enjoyment with cellaring."
Anita Bowen, Vignorenne.

AWARDS

2008 National Wine Show of Australia
2005 BALTHAZAR BAROSSA SHIRAZ JUDGED AUSTRALIA’S BEST

Click here to read more about the award

VITI

Excellent growing season with consistently good winter/spring rains, followed by perfect dry and mild ripening conditions with minimal rain.

VINI

Balthazar Shiraz grapes were harvested the third week of March 2005, from both the HILL and HOUSE blocks. The Hill block grapes provide great natural acid and structure to complement the vibrancy of the House block fruit.

Fermentation occurred over 8 days with minimal temperature control, in small, open-top stainless steel fermenters, with twice-daily pumping over to gently extract colour and flavour.

Transferred to predominantly French, with some American oak hogsheads, Balthazar 2005 was given 20 months maturation in barrel before bottling on 29th November 2006. Closure: Procork

VINO

Nose: Rich, ripe berry fruits with peppery spice

Palate: Concentrated plum and blackberry fruits with hints of licorice;fine, firm tannins with layers of spicey complexity ending with a very long finish.

Analysis: pH: 3.38, Alcohol: 14.5%, pH: 3.38, Ta: 7.54, RS: 4 g/L

Cellar: 2020

Shiraz 2005 Full of life and movement, juicy plum, blackberry and licorice fruit; good oak and tannins; long finish
95 points – James Halliday