November 11 marks the annual vintage release of distinguished Barossa winery St Hallett. The 2021 collection of exceptional red wines includes Higher Earth Syrah 2019, Blackwell Shiraz 2019, Old Block Shiraz 2017 and Mighty Ox Shiraz 2019. Additionally, this year St Hallett welcomes the inaugural release of Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau 2021.
With a rich heritage in South Australia and an enviable history of craftmanship, St Hallett is undisputedly the Masters of Barossa Shiraz. The celebrated winery’s latest vintage collection highlights the diversity of the region and vintage, and represents the pinnacle of Barossa Shiraz.
St Hallett Senior Winemaker Helen McCarthy says, “Each new release wine is a unique expression of its origins, a nod to the incredible terroir across the Barossa valley. Each and every vintage builds our winemaking team’s understanding of the region and admiration for how incredibly versatile Shiraz is. It’s this insight, coupled with our modern approach to winemaking, that has allowed St Hallett to take Shiraz to new heights.”
Hailing from the 2017 vintage is one of the most collected Barossa Shiraz, St Hallett Old Block. This year was a return to ‘normal’ year and Old Block Shiraz 2017 shows all the traditional hallmarks of the wine; silky, brilliantly integrated and full bodied.
In 2019, the Barossa experienced an incredibly dry vintage, with the naturally lower yields producing fruit with great concentration and richness, which can be seen in all three wines of the vintage. The higher altitude Eden Valley sourced Higher Earth Syrah 2019 balances fruit concentration with elegance. The Blackwell Shiraz 2019 is opulent and sophisticated, while the Mighty Ox Shiraz 2019 unapologetically harnesses the power and richness of the vintage.
Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau is the latest addition to the St Hallett family and represents a lighter and softer expression of Shiraz that is European in style while still distinctly boasting its Barossa origins. Medium-bodied with vibrant notes of blackberry and raspberry, the Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau is full of flavour and can be enjoyed chilled or with ice – perfect for the Australian summer.
“We are also particularly thrilled this year to introduce our new Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau. While a lighter style Shiraz it’s still unmistakably Barossa in its generosity of flavour. This wine, along with Higher Earth Syrah, demonstrates our contemporary take on Shiraz craftmanship and we look forward to introducing it to our loyal fans and Barossa wine lovers,” said Helen.
Earlier this year, international wine critic Jancis Robinson awarded St Hallett’s latest vintage collection top honours, with Old Block Shiraz 2017 receiving 17+ points, Blackwell Shiraz 2019 scoring 16 points and St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah 2019 following at 15.5+ points (out of a possible 20 points).
Established in 1944, St Hallett has been a significant name in Australian Shiraz and a key contributor in establishing the international reputation of the region. With a constantly evolving range, the St Hallett brand embodies a wealth of heritage and craftmanship while still pushing boundaries with new approaches to Shiraz and winemaking.
St Hallett’s latest vintage wines – Higher Earth Syrah 2019, Blackwell Shiraz 2019, Old Block Shiraz 2017 and Mighty Ox Shiraz 2019 – will be available at major and select independent retailers nationwide and online at www.sthallett.com.au from 11 November 2021.
St Hallett Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau will be available at selected on premise venues from November 2021 and Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores nationwide from May 2022.
