2018 Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache, Barossa Valley
93 points ~ James Halliday, Wine Companion 92 points ~ James Suckling 91 points ~ Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Wallace Shiraz-Grenache is a 72-28 blend, offering hints of cola and plum on the nose, backed by brighter raspberry and strawberry notes. It’s medium to full-bodied and framed by silky, fine-grained tannins, with a long mouthwatering finish that hints at mocha and wood spice.
Colour: Dark, vibrant red
Aroma: Bright red fruits, masses of cherry and a hint of strawberry freshness.
Palate: Flavours of plum, cherry and cranberry. Soft, supple tannins from the Grenache provide freshness and the Shiraz gives both weight and length.
Glaetzer Wallace takes on the traditional Barossa Valley blend of Shiraz and Grenache in a modern way. The Shiraz brings backbone, flesh and body to the wine with the Grenache adding a soft, vibrant juiciness.
Vineyards
Exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub-district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Vine age 50-80-year-old Shiraz and 50-100-year-old Grenache. Yield 3.5 tonnes per hectare.
Vintage Conditions
The growing season started well with above-average winter rainfall but was followed by well below-average spring and summer rainfall coupled with warm temperatures. Fortunately, our vines were in perfect balance with healthy canopies assisting even ripening and fruit flavour development. Harvest commenced very early in late January. Calm Indian summer conditions began in early March which were perfect for finishing off vintage. The resultant 2018 wines are of exceptional quality featuring intense depth of colour, astounding aromatic purity plus richness and brightness on the palate.
Vinification
Old vine Barossa Grenache has a liveliness and structure that does not benefit from oak maturation—oak contact was thus minimized for the Grenache component to preserve the purity and animation of the fruit. The Shiraz was matured for 16 months in 2—3-year-old oak hogshead barrels (80% French/20% American).
Peak Drinking: A wine to enjoy in its youth that will also develop additional complexity over 6 to 8 years of cellaring.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Varietals: 72% Shiraz / 28% Grenache
Appellation: Barossa Valley
Alcohol: 14.5%
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2018 Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache, Barossa Valley Case:
12x 2018 Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache, Barossa Valley
After 30 years of winemaking, Colin Glaetzer established the family winery to create limited quantities of super premium Barossa Valley red wines.
Today Colin’s son Ben makes unique and elegant wines which are regarded as classics and unmistakably Barossan.
All fruit for Glaetzer Wines is taken from a small sub-district of the Northern Barossa Valley called Ebenezer which produces exceptional fruit from very old vines.
The softness and elegance of Ebenezer fruit coupled with Ben Glaetzer’s winemaking style results in generous wines with great depth of flavour that are also elegant, multilayered and finely balanced.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Happy to review this really tasty Barossa Shiraz-Grenache blend (72%/28%)! Thanks @WCCWineGirl !
Screw cap. Tasted over two days.
Color fairly dark … medium to deep ruby, clear notable legs.
Aromas of kirsch, cola, hint of black pepper.
Impressions on the palate: blackfruits, black cherry, cassis/dried currant. “Dusty.” Hint of leather.
For my taste, “just ripe enough” — this is a compliment, as in “not overripe.” Fine tannins, very dry, straddles old and new world.
Espresso/mocha notes on the generous and balanced finish.
Sources mention 50-100 year old vines, and “minimal oak contact” with the Wallace. My gut tells me that 4-1/2 years in bottle as been good to this wine.
Summary: A tasty Shiraz-Grenache blend at a good age for drinking now. It hits a lot of Barossa high points for an entry-level offering, without any of the “overs” (over manipulation, over oaked, overripe). A straight-ahead Barossa blend with all the makings of a terrific food-friendly wine. I almost think it could pass for a good Lirac in a blind tasting, just a tad less complex, but with a similar dense and dark fruit core.
You won’t need a brave heart to enjoy this wine!
Seeing the price just now… as they used to say on the old Woot Wine: r0x0rz! Fantastic QPR at the <$11 case price!
@baldwino0 On the William Wallace reference, there may be something to it. Of course I could be wrong. From the producer’s website (Winery founders Colin & Judith are Ben Glaetzer’s parents):
“Wallace is an ancestral name of Colin’s wife, Judith, whose family hail from the old market town of Cupar in Fife, Scotland. Judith’s Celtic ancestry is reflected in the three elements of the Wallace symbol - the Celtic cross, thistle and the Celtic knot pattern.”
I received a welcome and unexpected package from UPS on Thursday. It required signature so I knew what was up. Contained one bottle of the listed Wallace Shiraz Grenache and one Casemates glass (awesome.) Plans changed over the weekend and once again I had to throw together a last minute, impromptu tasting Tuesday afternoon.
First, I’m not a big fan of Shiraz. The last I had was probably 15 or so years ago and I remember not liking it much then. That said, I had no idea what to expect. There were no preconceived ideas good or bad. I will say this is the first time in a long time for me that pairing is very important.
Initial twist and pour gave off a somewhat sweet berry aroma with not much alcohol on the nose. Mom’s first reaction was that it was sour and it tasted nothing like it smelled. I definitely needs some air and it’s very sharp. It’s medium bodied and the flavor is not bad. My initial thought was berries on the nose, smells sweet, initially good, sweet and tart. After allowing it to sit in the glass for a while probably 20 minutes, it’s still sweet but has a very bitter aftertaste that I don’t like much. The finish is very long for me but it’s very acidic. Sometimes I get a similar flavor or mouth feel from a very light roast coffee. I don’t like light roast coffee. Dad said it’s good and he really wants some sort of tasting sheet for these reviews so that he feels he contributes a little bit better. Lol
Initial consensus was that it’s okay but not really our style.
I brought the bottle back home for some additional sampling with food to be fair. My wife had picked up some Chinese food and I had a bit with the chicken and vegetables and also the sweet and sour chicken. It paired better with the former. The chicken helped to cut the bitter aftertaste. A couple hours later, for due diligence, I paired another sample with a small piece of sirloin, air fried with Chipotle seasoning. This was really good. It still had a bit of a bite to it, but pairing it with the steak was a great compliment to both.
I don’t know if this style has a typical bitter finish when sipped alone, but I did not like it. With food, I would not be disappointed if I was offered the glass. I’d say if this blend is your thing, you will probably be happy with it. Cheers and thanks again for the opportunity.
@jaybird Barossa Shiraz is not everyone’s cup o’ tea, but I didn’t get bitterness at all, although I did get that coffee/mocha finish (fine with me!). I’m a Rhone lover, and when OZ or US makes a good version I am all in. As I tell my Shiraz-hating friends, send them all to me! Cheers!
I really didn’t mean you specifically with that statement, @jaybird. My apologies. I do know a few true Syrah/Shiraz haters, though. And this YouGov poll shows it does have a problem. Our friend Cam Hughes at DN picked up a ton of Aussie Shiraz last year and has really had a hard time selling it. (I can buy only so much!)
Obviously the poll is limited… I’m sure Grenache and Mourvèdre would surpass Syrah in the “never had it/never heard of it” category.
@jaybird PS: I suppose when I said “with all the makings of a terrific food-friendly wine,” that’s a cheerleader way of saying what you said, “just have to have a good meal to go with it.” Some wines need good food pairings (or food period) for them to show best. Just as the opposite is true, there are wines that are notoriously difficult to pair with food, and best enjoyed for sipping alone, or with crackers and a friendly cheese if you can find it.
Well now, let’s have a looky look at what those pro players had to say…
Halliday: 93 points. A 72/28% blend from Glaetzer’s stomping ground of Ebenezer, the vines 50 and 100yo. Grenache had minimal oak contact, the shiraz matured in used hogsheads for 16 months. It’s Glaetzer style, pure and simple: love it or leave it.
Suckling: 92 points. This has attractive, ripe-raspberry aromas with a black-fruit core in a fresh, upbeat mode. The palate has a fleshy delivery of assertive blackberries, cassis and raspberries and delivers solid flavor and value.
Wine Advocate: 91 points. Glaetzer’s least-expensive offering is a terrific bargain. The 2018 Wallace Shiraz-Grenache is a 72-28 blend, offering hints of cola and plum on the nose, backed by brighter raspberry and strawberry notes. It’s medium to full-bodied and framed by silky, fine-grained tannins, with a long, mouthwatering finish that hints at mocha and wood spice. Drink this beauty over the next 6-7 years. Joe Czerwinski 7/31/20
The Wine Front, Mike Bennie. 91 points July 2020. Notes behind a paywall.
Found a few specs that appear to be accurate:
Alcohol: 14.5% vol. Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/l Total Acidity: 6.23 g/l pH: 3.47
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2018 Glaetzer Wallace Red Blend - $50 = 27.77%
2018 Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache, Barossa Valley
93 points ~ James Halliday, Wine Companion
92 points ~ James Suckling
91 points ~ Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes
Vineyards
Vintage Conditions
Vinification
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $300/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, May 28 - Wednesday, May 29
2018 Glaetzer Wallace Red Blend
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $129.99 $10.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 Wallace Shiraz-Grenache Barossa
Glaetzer Wines, Ebenezer Vineyard, Northern Barossa, 14.5% Alcohol
Happy to review this really tasty Barossa Shiraz-Grenache blend (72%/28%)! Thanks @WCCWineGirl !
Screw cap. Tasted over two days.
Color fairly dark … medium to deep ruby, clear notable legs.
Aromas of kirsch, cola, hint of black pepper.
Impressions on the palate: blackfruits, black cherry, cassis/dried currant. “Dusty.” Hint of leather.
For my taste, “just ripe enough” — this is a compliment, as in “not overripe.” Fine tannins, very dry, straddles old and new world.
Espresso/mocha notes on the generous and balanced finish.
Sources mention 50-100 year old vines, and “minimal oak contact” with the Wallace. My gut tells me that 4-1/2 years in bottle as been good to this wine.
Summary: A tasty Shiraz-Grenache blend at a good age for drinking now. It hits a lot of Barossa high points for an entry-level offering, without any of the “overs” (over manipulation, over oaked, overripe). A straight-ahead Barossa blend with all the makings of a terrific food-friendly wine. I almost think it could pass for a good Lirac in a blind tasting, just a tad less complex, but with a similar dense and dark fruit core.
You won’t need a brave heart to enjoy this wine!
Seeing the price just now… as they used to say on the old Woot Wine: r0x0rz! Fantastic QPR at the <$11 case price!
@baldwino0 FYI, in for a case; sharing with @borisgoodenough.
@baldwino0 Rat siblings once again.
Glad you liked this one.
@jaybird Yeah, good times. And if not mentioned before, IRL my first name is Jay. Maybe Alice has the rats alphabetized by first name?
@baldwino0 On the William Wallace reference, there may be something to it. Of course I could be wrong. From the producer’s website (Winery founders Colin & Judith are Ben Glaetzer’s parents):
“Wallace is an ancestral name of Colin’s wife, Judith, whose family hail from the old market town of Cupar in Fife, Scotland. Judith’s Celtic ancestry is reflected in the three elements of the Wallace symbol - the Celtic cross, thistle and the Celtic knot pattern.”
@baldwino0 Not normally a fan of big, blowsy Barossa, but @baldwino0 convinced me that this one was more subdued. Hope he’s right.
I received a welcome and unexpected package from UPS on Thursday. It required signature so I knew what was up. Contained one bottle of the listed Wallace Shiraz Grenache and one Casemates glass (awesome.) Plans changed over the weekend and once again I had to throw together a last minute, impromptu tasting Tuesday afternoon.
First, I’m not a big fan of Shiraz. The last I had was probably 15 or so years ago and I remember not liking it much then. That said, I had no idea what to expect. There were no preconceived ideas good or bad. I will say this is the first time in a long time for me that pairing is very important.
Initial twist and pour gave off a somewhat sweet berry aroma with not much alcohol on the nose. Mom’s first reaction was that it was sour and it tasted nothing like it smelled. I definitely needs some air and it’s very sharp. It’s medium bodied and the flavor is not bad. My initial thought was berries on the nose, smells sweet, initially good, sweet and tart. After allowing it to sit in the glass for a while probably 20 minutes, it’s still sweet but has a very bitter aftertaste that I don’t like much. The finish is very long for me but it’s very acidic. Sometimes I get a similar flavor or mouth feel from a very light roast coffee. I don’t like light roast coffee. Dad said it’s good and he really wants some sort of tasting sheet for these reviews so that he feels he contributes a little bit better. Lol
Initial consensus was that it’s okay but not really our style.
I brought the bottle back home for some additional sampling with food to be fair. My wife had picked up some Chinese food and I had a bit with the chicken and vegetables and also the sweet and sour chicken. It paired better with the former. The chicken helped to cut the bitter aftertaste. A couple hours later, for due diligence, I paired another sample with a small piece of sirloin, air fried with Chipotle seasoning. This was really good. It still had a bit of a bite to it, but pairing it with the steak was a great compliment to both.
I don’t know if this style has a typical bitter finish when sipped alone, but I did not like it. With food, I would not be disappointed if I was offered the glass. I’d say if this blend is your thing, you will probably be happy with it. Cheers and thanks again for the opportunity.
PANS! GLANDS! CRAYONS! AWESOME!
@jaybird Barossa Shiraz is not everyone’s cup o’ tea, but I didn’t get bitterness at all, although I did get that coffee/mocha finish (fine with me!). I’m a Rhone lover, and when OZ or US makes a good version I am all in. As I tell my Shiraz-hating friends, send them all to me!
Cheers!
@baldwino0 I don’t think I’m necessarily a hater, just have to have a good meal to go with it. Maybe some of the nuances are acquired.
I really didn’t mean you specifically with that statement, @jaybird. My apologies. I do know a few true Syrah/Shiraz haters, though. And this YouGov poll shows it does have a problem. Our friend Cam Hughes at DN picked up a ton of Aussie Shiraz last year and has really had a hard time selling it. (I can buy only so much!)
Obviously the poll is limited… I’m sure Grenache and Mourvèdre would surpass Syrah in the “never had it/never heard of it” category.
@jaybird PS: I suppose when I said “with all the makings of a terrific food-friendly wine,” that’s a cheerleader way of saying what you said, “just have to have a good meal to go with it.” Some wines need good food pairings (or food period) for them to show best. Just as the opposite is true, there are wines that are notoriously difficult to pair with food, and best enjoyed for sipping alone, or with crackers and a friendly cheese if you can find it.
@jaybird
Here’s a De Long wine tasting form that might help your dad (or anyone else for that matter).
https://www.delongwine.com/products/wine-tasting-note-form
@baldwino0 @jaybird not sure I have come across an unfriendly cheese …
@woopdedoo True enough!
Well now, let’s have a looky look at what those pro players had to say…
Halliday: 93 points. A 72/28% blend from Glaetzer’s stomping ground of Ebenezer, the vines 50 and 100yo. Grenache had minimal oak contact, the shiraz matured in used hogsheads for 16 months. It’s Glaetzer style, pure and simple: love it or leave it.
Suckling: 92 points. This has attractive, ripe-raspberry aromas with a black-fruit core in a fresh, upbeat mode. The palate has a fleshy delivery of assertive blackberries, cassis and raspberries and delivers solid flavor and value.
Wine Advocate: 91 points. Glaetzer’s least-expensive offering is a terrific bargain. The 2018 Wallace Shiraz-Grenache is a 72-28 blend, offering hints of cola and plum on the nose, backed by brighter raspberry and strawberry notes. It’s medium to full-bodied and framed by silky, fine-grained tannins, with a long, mouthwatering finish that hints at mocha and wood spice. Drink this beauty over the next 6-7 years. Joe Czerwinski 7/31/20
The Wine Front, Mike Bennie. 91 points July 2020. Notes behind a paywall.
Found a few specs that appear to be accurate:
Alcohol: 14.5% vol. Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/l Total Acidity: 6.23 g/l pH: 3.47
fwiw
@kaolis The Suckling notes are the most in line with my impressions.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2018 Glaetzer Wallace Red Blend - $50 = 27.77%
Order it! Excellent daily drinker!
/giphy wallace-grommit
@ttboy23
I’d probably be all over this except it’s too dang hot and I’m overfull once again. Nice reviews guys!
I wish I could but just can’t this week.