2025 Bannockburn 1314 Shiraz

This is where the value proposition of the 1314 range gets frankly ridiculous. While this is positioned as Bannockburn’s "early drinking" Shiraz, it is built on a resource that most wineries would reserve for their flagship cuvées.

The fruit comes from the Range and Winery Block vineyards, with plantings dating back to 1996, 1990 and right back to 1974. That means you are getting Shiraz from vines over 50 years old in a bottle designed for Tuesday night drinking.

Winemaker Matt Holmes keeps things fresh and energetic here. The fruit is fully destemmed and fermented with wild yeast, spending just nine days on skins before resting for seven months in hogsheads (only 10% new).

This is a proper cool-climate Shiraz that doesn't hide its savoury side. It pours a vibrant inky crimson and offers a nose full of ripe plums, dark cherries, violets and a distinct hit of "meaty" spice and blood. On the palate, it is plush and juicy, with fine dusting of tannin and an earthy base that grounds the fruit. It's seriously complex for the price.

95 points
"Made from estate-grown fruit and matured in hogsheads (10% new). Just as good, if not better, than last year's impressive and very well-priced release... This is a wine that will look even better over the next four to six years."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)