2020 Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz

The distinctive labels of the Glaetzer portfolio hold special significance when you view this stunning collection of wines as a family affair. The entry level Bishop Shiraz is named in honour of Ben's mother, Judith (Bishop being her maiden name). The label bears the sign of Venus, which has come to represent women and feminine energy. Glaetzer sources fruit for the Bishop from the Ebenezer district of the Barossa valley from low yielding 35 year old to 120 year-old vines. He finds the fruit from younger vines contributes freshness & vibrancy, while Shiraz from the older blocks provides structure and depth. 2020 was another low yielding vintage but one that delivered high quality, concentrated fruit. Maturation took place in a combination of 90% French oak and 10% American oak for a period of 16 months of which 40% was new oak.

Impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Wafting from the glass are dark plum, liquorice and fresh blackberry aromatics which are married to vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth notes. Rich juicy dark plum, blackberry and liquorice fruits are complimented by some fresh blueberry, vanillin cedar, fennel and pepper characters. Succulent yet fresh textural feel. Very polished tannin structure with shades of earth shining through on the long ripe yet vibrantly fruited aftertaste.
Alc. 14.5%
Drink over the next 5-6 years.

Other Reviews…..
This 2020 Bishop Shiraz is a saturating and pure example of Barossa Shiraz, from a warm, compacted and low-yielding vintage. The wine in the glass is the very essence of Barossa, with red, earthy tannins, spicy/toasty oak and a fruit profile that spans red, purple and black. Really well done. Delicious. Drink 2022-2032.
92 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate