2019 Auld Family Wines Strawbridge Shiraz

Auld Family wines is the personal project of industry heavyweight John Auld and his two sons Jock and Sam. The family have a long history in the wine industry beginning with Patrick Auld who migrated to Australia in 1842. After trading as a publican and a wine and spirits merchant, Patrick planted the first vines at the Auldana vineyard in Magill then went on to open an office in London making him one of the first exporters of Australian wine. John himself has had a long and storied career in the wine industry spanning some 33 years working with the likes of Saltram, Yalumba (where he was one of the signatories for the 2004 Yalumba Signature) and Jim Barry where he’s currently a director.
The 2019 Strawbridge Shiraz is sourced from two separate vineyards in the Barossa Valley with 30 plus year old vines. 2019 saw lower yields but very high quality fruit, with a dry start to the season continuing through to harvest. Maturation took place in 100% French oak over 24 months, with 25% new Treuil fine grain French used.

Marries Barossa’s hallmark opulence and power with a muscular structure.

Dense midnight black colour with a deep dark red black hue. Pronounced liquorice and black cherry aromas are followed by some toasty vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth notes. Rich black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruits flood the mouth showing both opulence and muscle. Vanillin cedar, earthy fennel and blackpepper characters then chime in. The powerful fruit framed by a sculptured tannin structure which leads into a long black fruited aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews….
This wine is a bit of a step back in time, in a good way. You see lots of modern Barossa Shiraz which have this juicy upfront lusciousness that is addictive, and completely irresistible. But the Strawbridge is a bit more reserved, not tricked up, but simply offering an honest and pure expression of the Barossa.
Bright deep ruby, it offers up a smorgasbord of blackberry compote, baked earth and black pepper with toasty, balanced oak well balanced. The rich, muscular fruit continues on the palate and it takes on a more savoury, and earthy feel over hearty dark berry and leather fruit flavours. Tannins are well integrated, but they are there, supporting significant flavour with soft acidity fitting in nicely. It’s long too which completes what is a delicious package. Drink: 2024-2035.
95 points
Angus Hughson – Winepilot