2002 Turkey Flat Vineyards Shiraz

Turkey Flat has been a family business since 1865 when the vineyard was purchased by Gottlieb Ernst Schulz. Traditionally growers of fruit, the Schulz’s didn’t turn their hands to winemaking until current winemaking team Peter & Christie Schulz took over the reigns at Turkey Flat.
Planted in 1847, the Turkey Flat Vineyard boasts some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world. They receive no irrigation with their roots extending metres into the soil in search of moisture. The 2002 vintage had ideal growing conditions, with a long and slow ripening period. Each small parcel of Shiraz was vinified separately and matured in a combination of new and old French and American oak barrels for 23 months.
Tasting Notes: Totally opaque black purple mauve colour with deep purple hue. Powerful nose, with violet top note, followed by spice and a perfumed lift of blackberry and dark chocolate. Mouth filling palate, with flavours of black pepper, vanilla, violet infusions and ripe blackberries persisting. Excellent palate weight and mouth feel. Fine grained, dry tannins, followed by an aftertaste of liquorice, plum, vanilla, blackberry and black pepper. A top example of Barossa Shiraz.
Alc/Vol: 14.5%

Other Reviews.....
Turkey Flat Barossa Shiraz 2002
97 points, $45
Many of the vines on the Turkey Flat vineyard that go to make this wine were planted in 1847. Densely coloured, it is an intense and concentrated fruit bowl of blackberry, plum and licorice, with quite outstanding balance. Commendably moderate oak and moderate alcohol at an immoderately low price.
Best drinking: 2007-22
"The Weekend Australian - Halliday's Top 100"

Robert Parker Review:
Winemaker Peter Schultz has turned in a brilliant effort with the 2002 Shiraz. Glorious notes of creme de cassis, raspberry liqueur, licorice, and vanilla (15-20% new oak is utilized) jump from the glass of this inky/ruby/purple-colored Shiraz. Great fruit on the attack is followed by an expansive, full-bodied, deep, harmonious mid-palate, and a long finish. One component of this cuvee emerges from one of South Australia’s oldest Shiraz plots, planted in 1847. This 2002 should drink well for 10-12+ years.
(Notes Sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S REVIEW: 94 points