2021 Nuri Ancestor Vine Shiraz
($106.25 Members Price)
Nuri (Nuriootpa) is the major business town of the Barossa. It was also the site for many of the first vineyards and wineries in the Barossa. Situated along side and behind the old Penfolds winery lay some ancestor vine Shiraz that dates back to the very early times of the Barossa Valley.
Being on the banks of the Para River, the vineyards do not produce great grapes every year. But in the right vintage, 2021 being one of them, the grapes carry incredible depth of fruit and a unique ‘mint’ character curtsey of the old gums that line the river and the vineyards in the area.
A wine like no other, a small parcel of fruit, enough for 1 hogshead or 300L. In all likelihood, a one off, but we are so happy we made it. A great wine to enjoy over the next 20 years
($106.25 Members Price)
Nuri (Nuriootpa) is the major business town of the Barossa. It was also the site for many of the first vineyards and wineries in the Barossa. Situated along side and behind the old Penfolds winery lay some ancestor vine Shiraz that dates back to the very early times of the Barossa Valley.
Being on the banks of the Para River, the vineyards do not produce great grapes every year. But in the right vintage, 2021 being one of them, the grapes carry incredible depth of fruit and a unique ‘mint’ character curtsey of the old gums that line the river and the vineyards in the area.
A wine like no other, a small parcel of fruit, enough for 1 hogshead or 300L. In all likelihood, a one off, but we are so happy we made it. A great wine to enjoy over the next 20 years
($106.25 Members Price)
Nuri (Nuriootpa) is the major business town of the Barossa. It was also the site for many of the first vineyards and wineries in the Barossa. Situated along side and behind the old Penfolds winery lay some ancestor vine Shiraz that dates back to the very early times of the Barossa Valley.
Being on the banks of the Para River, the vineyards do not produce great grapes every year. But in the right vintage, 2021 being one of them, the grapes carry incredible depth of fruit and a unique ‘mint’ character curtsey of the old gums that line the river and the vineyards in the area.
A wine like no other, a small parcel of fruit, enough for 1 hogshead or 300L. In all likelihood, a one off, but we are so happy we made it. A great wine to enjoy over the next 20 years
Technical Tasting Notes
2021 Nuri ancestor vine shiraz
GROWING SEASON
The 2021 Barossa Valley vintage will be remembered as an almost faultless season after the challenging years that preceded it. Good spring rains meant that for the first time in many years we entered the growing season with good soil moisture levels. A warm dry growing season followed, with balanced and healthy canopies producing an average crop of extremely high quality fruit. Certainly the best in a decade, maybe longer. The good news is that flavours and colours (in reds) and overall quality is exceptional. A truly great Barossa vintage in the making.
TASTING NOTE
The Ancestor Block in Nuri is a special place, planted on the banks of the Para more than 125 years ago. Surrounded by Gum Trees that play there part in the wine via a dense choc mint character. Incredible density of fruit balanced by fine tannin curtsey of the wonderful 21 vintage. A unique wine that wears its terroir on its sleave.
SPECIFICATIONS
Region: Barossa Valley
Sub Region: Nuriootpa
Variety: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 400 bottles
Cellaring: 10 years+
Winemaker: Andrew Seppelt
Reviews
2021 Nuri ancestor vine shirz
Steve Leszczynski (Qwinereviews.com)
96 Points - Brett Hayes' ability to gather fruit from unique vineyards is quite impressive. From a vineyard behind the old Penfold's winery in Nuriootpa, these ancestor vines are over 125 years old. An incredible wine, it shines a bright light on what are all things fantastic about Barossa Valley Shiraz.
Although from a different site without the same vine age, the previously reviewed Marcus Shiraz 2021 impressed no end and bordered on 96 points. The touch of class evident here levels up and takes this Nuri Ancestor all the way.
One picking bin was snared from this vineyard to produce 300 bottles. The vineyard is surrounded by eucalypt trees and that can be seen in the wine. It comes in a weighty bottle and is wax sealed with diam cork, you can't help but engage with its royal presence.
I let this sit on opening and it builds some fabulous momentum over a few days of tasting. Detailed layers of interest just purr. Caramel, cedar, cinnamon, chocolate fondant and a splash of cardamon rise up early. Dusty and sandy tannins are brushed through the mouth. A mintiness from the eucalyptus trees takes a back seat but is there if you look for it. Dense dark berries sit at the core and draw you closer with their agile frame. Delicately spiced with fruit bun and woodsy spice highlights, add some baked raspberry as the layers peel off with ease. A wine with a moreish drive and salivating intensity, the balance is superb.
The best is yet to come so give it time. I wish I could fast-forward to that point right now. For now, this is epic. Well played Andrew Seppelt. Just brilliant!
Drink to 15 years+
