The Darkie: A Classic Barossa Shiraz

The Darkie Barossa Shiraz 2003

The Darkie 2003 Barossa Shiraz

The Darkie Old Vine Shiraz which is a wonderful example of a classic Barossa Shiraz, and is the jewel in the crown at Liebichwein even amongst the many fabulous table wines and fortified wines on offer. The Darkie is a single vineyard flagship wine dedicated to Ron’s uncle Clarence Walter Liebich (1920-1988) who himself loved a good Barossa shiraz and regularly encouraged Ron’s winemaking abilities. He also planted the old 40 acre block of Shiraz grapes back in 1969 from which we source all the fruit for winemaking.

But why the name? A Barossa Shiraz is red – so why is it called ‘The Darkie’? Well…

Clarence Walter ‘Darkie’ Liebich was the second of three sons to Benno Liebich, who founded Rovalley Wines in 1919 at Rowland Flat. Rovalley Wines, and then Liebichwein which came after it, were known for their range of table wines and fortified wine including many port style Tawnys. In 1941, oldest son Leslie Alwyn ‘Lofty’ Liebich took over winemaking duties, and was succeeded as chief winemaker in 1953 by Clarence, his brother. Clarence Walter Liebich (or ‘Darkie’, as he was locally known due to his full head of dark black hair) was always a big fan of local Barossa Shiraz and other rich, hearty reds, and enjoyed sharing his passions in winemaking with nephew Ron. When Ron established his own boutique winery, it was only natural to create a big bold Shiraz in honour of Uncle Darkie who had inspired him along the way – and so in 1996, the Darkie Shiraz was born.

Vineyard: A lot goes into making a high quality Barossa Shiraz. Initially the vines receive minimal attention and we allow nature to do the work. Dead arm affliction reduces yield but enhances flavour as does the use of hand-pruning and minimal irrigation. The vines grow on heavy black biscay soil at Rowland Flat on the eastern foothills of the Barossa. Vintages are very consistent in terms of quality and low yield averaging 2 tonne per acre, producing concentrated table wines and vintage fortified wine too.

Winemaking: Traditional techniques of hand plunging, basket-pressing with no fining or filtration were employed for fuller flavour. The Darkie is a unique Barossa shiraz that has been maturing for over five years in various aged American and French hogshead barrels, producing a multi-layered wine that showcases an enticingly rich nose, balanced intense flavours and subtle oak characters.

Taste Notes: The Darkie Shiraz nose typically exhibits black cherries, vanilla, chocolate with hints of sweet anise. A showcase of everything that makes Barossa shiraz so enjoyable, The Darkie Shiraz boasts amazingly complex concentrated flavours that fill the whole mouth, lingering long after the first sip. All this is perfectly balanced with the subtle oak maturation and super silky tannins. We recommend drinking at any age, but patiently cellaring for another 10-20 years will reward any wine connoisseur. Each vintage is unique and will have an initial impact that changes with each mouthful.

  • Vintage 2009 – a refined elegant wine with aromatic perfume, ripe plums, cherries and hints of savoury note like black olive, soft and complex
  • Vintage 2010 – exhibits more intense fruit characters balanced by the soft oak, dark brooding nose full of black cherries, chocolate mingled with sweet spiced vanilla
  • Vintage 2012 – a classic fruit-driven wine displaying ripe cherries, vanilla, chocolate and sweet spice with a  seductively smooth, lingering finish

Out of all of the table wines and fortified wine on offer at Liebichwein, The Darkie Old Vine Shiraz is in a category of excellence all of its’ own. Special museum stock of back vintage bottles are currently available, but in strictly limited quantities. There are select vintages in 750mL and 1.5L magnum sizes. Some vintages were bottled under both cork and screwcap closures since vintage 2002 as that season was such good quality, Ron wanted to preserve the concentrated fruit intensity for decades to come.

Like any good Barossa shiraz, it sells out very soon after it becomes available – something Uncle Darkie would be glad to hear!

Purchase Vintage 2012 here.

 

The Darkie Shiraz 2008 – Museum Release

bottle_Darkie_2003The Darkie Old Vine Shiraz 2008

This single vineyard flagship wine is dedicated to Ron’s?uncle Clarence Walter ?Darkie? Liebich (1920-1988) who encouraged Ron’s winemaking abilities. Uncle ‘Darkie” planted the old 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.?Dead arm affliction reduces yield but enhances flavour as does the use of hand-pruning and minimal irrigation. ?The vines grow on heavy black biscay soil at Rowland Flat on the eastern foothills of the Barossa.

Special?museum stock 2008 vintage is currently available -?a very good growing season resulting in an extremely low yield averaging 2 tonne per acre. Traditional techniques of hand plunging, basket-pressing with no fining or filtration were employed for fuller flavour.

A unique wine that has been maturing for over five years in various aged American and French hogsheads, producing a multi-layered wine showcasing an enticingly rich nose, balanced intense flavours and subtle oak characters.

Taste Notes: The?nose exhibits black cherries, vanilla, chocolate with hints of sweet anise. Amazingly complex concentrated flavours fill the whole mouth lingering long after the first sip. All this is perfectly balanced with the subtle oak maturation and super silky tannins. Exceptional drinking now, but will reward patience with bottle maturation for another 10 years at least.

15.5 % Alc. Vol.

RRP: $70 per bottle

SOLD OUT

 

Pop Up Wine Bar in Melbourne

We want to thank those who came out to dine with us at Bramble & Vine in North Carlton. It was a relaxed evening with 30 guests enjoying sophisticated food and a diverse range of wines. Our hostess Leila was a genuine professional who made sure everyone felt welcome and their glass was always full. The evening kicked off with a tasting of all our current wines and the launch of The Darkie Shiraz 2006 (vintage number 12 of this flagship wine!). During dinner we surprised guests by serving the 2002 Lofty and Darkie which are holding up extremely well, especially under screw cap. Everyone had a great night!

Check out more photos

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