2003 The Darkie
Shiraz
Original price was: $130.00.$65.00Current price is: $65.00.
- Special museum release of 100% Barossa Shiraz from low yielding old vines
- Flagship wine from the excellent 2010 vintage
- Seductive concentrated flavours linger long after the first sip
- A classic fruit-driven style with beautiful balance and amazing complexity
A flagship wine dedicated to Ron's uncle Clarence Walter 'Darkie' Liebich (1920-1988) who encouraged Ron's winemaking abilities. He planted the 40 acre block on heavy biscay soil on the eastern foothills of the Barossa Ranges in 1969. The vines receive minimal attention and allow nature to do the work.
Vintage 2003 was a warm season with some issues related to berry split & shrivel and very low yield 1.1 tonne/acre. Traditional techniques of hand plunging and basket-pressing with no fining or filtration all enhance flavour. This wine had 12 months maturation in aged American and French hogsheads, producing a multi-layered wine. The resulting wine is a ripe fuller-bodied style. A rich concentrated fruity palate lingers and is perfectly integrated with the oak and alcohol.
A classic fruit-driven style with beautiful balance and amazing complexity. A full bodied style to pair with hearty dishes like braised beef, black bean dishes and hotpots.
Aged wine tasting notes (tasted June 2025): Burgundy colour with brown hue. Aromas include dried cherries, plums, smoky cedar, and cinnamon. The sulky smooth palate is all dried dark fruits with a hint of leather. Flavours become more complex with decanting and aeration. Exceptional drinking now.
15.7 % Alc. Vol.
Screwcap closure
Vegan friendly, low sulfites
Awards: 4 Stars Winestate July/Aug 2005, 92 Points James Halliday 2007, Bronze Australian Top 100 Shiraz Challenge, Bronze Australian Small Winemakers Show Qld, Silver 2007 London International Wine Challenge
