The Barossa Valley – Top Barossa Wines   

The Barossa Valley has some iconic wines which come from the region.  These wines are world renowned and have won many internationally acclaimed awards.  Even though the Barossa Valley  is a small region, it certainly knows how to produce a top quality wine.

  Penfolds: The Penfolds ‘Grange’ would be the most popular wine to come out of the Barossa Valley. With its first vintage in 1951, this wine is considered to be a Barossa Valley, Australian, and International wine icon. Each vintage the ‘Grange’ is eagerly awaited by collectors and wine enthusiasts the world over. Chief winemaker Max Schubert brought with him his knowledge and experience from Europe, and wanted to create an Australian wine which rivalled the best in the world. So implementing the wine-making techniques he learned while in Bordeaux, Schubert set out to fulfil his desire at Penfolds. Little did he know the extent to which this wine would become revered. The ‘Grange’ is made predominantly from Shiraz, with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvingnon. It is considered to be Australia’s most collectable wine. In August 2008 a bottle of 1951 ‘Grange’ sold for AUD$54,000. Since 1962 the coveted 1955 vintage has been submitted for international awards and has won over 50 Gold Medal Awards. The 1971 vintage received first prize at the Wine Olympics in Paris, and in 1995 the 1990 vintage was named ‘Red Wine of the Year’ by the Wine Spectator magazine. The Penfolds ‘Grange’ is an intense and powerful wine, richly textured, which develop into immensely complex wines over time. 

Peter Lehmann:  The ‘Stonewell Shiraz’ is considered to be the ultimate expression of Barossa Valley Shriaz.   Winning numerous prestigious awards both nationally and internationally, this Shiraz has won the London International Gold Medal Wine and Spirit Award in 2003 for its 1997 and 1998 vintages, and a Silver Medal in 2005 for its 1999 vintage, in 2006 for its 1999 and 2000 vintages, and again in 2008 for its 2004 vintage.  The ‘Stonewell Shiraz’ is marked by its intense flavour and strength, and for its remarkable longevity. 

Yalumba:  ‘The Octavius’ has become one of the leading Shiraz wines not only in the Barossa but throughout Australia.  Sourced from a handpicked selection of some very old vines in the Barossa Valley, ‘The Octavius’ is the only red wine in the world to be matured in 90 litre capacity American oak ‘octaves’.  The secret to this wine lies in the wood which is seasoned for 8 years at Yalumba’s own on-site cooperate before the octaves are crafted.  Yaluma are one of only a handful of wineries in the world who boast their own coopers practising the ancient craft of barrel making.  The first vintage release of ‘The Octavius’ was in 1990. 

Wolf Blass:  The ‘Black Label’ series has received more than 40 awards throughout Australia and the world since its first in 1973, and is considered to be an Australian red wine icon.  Its commitment to quality and taste has earned this wine great respect.  Traditionally the ‘Black Label’ is release four years after its vintage, in order to allow it time to mature and reach its full potential.  The Wolf Blass ‘Black Label’ is certainly a Barossa Valley favourite. 

Grant Burge:  The ‘Shadrach’ is a Cabernet Sauvignon wine sourced entirely from the Barossa Valley.  Matured in French oak this wine is left in bottle for 1 ½ years before it is released, the ‘Shadrach’ is a flavoursome and elegant wine.  The 2006 vintage ‘Shadrach’ is the epitome of Barossa Valley Cabernet.  This wine ages gracefully for 15 to 18 years.  The ‘Shadrach’ has won a list of impressive national and international awards including a Silver Medal and the 2006 London International Wine Competition, a Gold Medal at the 2008 Decanter World Wine Awards, a Silver at the 2008 International Wine Challenge, a Bronze Medal at the 2009 Decanter World Wine Awards, and a Bronze at the 2009 International Wine Challenge.