2022 Forgotten Hero Shiraz – Barossa Valley
The 2022 Forgotten Hero Shiraz is a rare and distinguished wine, sourced from a 1951 vineyard planted by the Atze family. Once forgotten during the 1980s vine pull scheme, this historic vineyard was rescued and nurtured by John and Barb Kalleske in 1983. Now, more than 30 years later, it continues to yield low, concentrated fruit that forms the heart of this classic Barossa Shiraz.
Tasting Notes:
Deeply flavored and full-bodied, this wine displays the complex, rich characteristics that only come from such low-yielding, old vines. With 20 months of maturation in new French oak, the 2019 vintage has developed a powerful and sophisticated profile. Intense flavors of dark fruit are beautifully complemented by a touch of spice and the subtle influence of oak, resulting in a wine that is both elegant and bold. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lasting impression of ripe, balanced tannins.
Why You'll Love It:
- Historic Vineyards: From a 1951 vineyard, rescued from the vine pull scheme and nurtured for decades.
- Full-Bodied and Complex: Rich, concentrated flavors of dark fruit, balanced with oak maturation.
- Rare & Limited: Less than 70 cases produced per vintage, making this a truly exclusive wine.
- Cellaring Potential: With its exceptional balance, this wine is built to last, aging gracefully for over 20 years.
Technical Details:
- Vintage: 2022
- Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
- Alcohol: 15%
- Harvest Date: March 2022
- Bottling Date: July 2025
Food Pairing Suggestions:
Pair with grilled or roast beef, lamb, big beefy stews, or venison. The wine’s richness also complements a mellow blue cheese.
Serving Temperature:
Serve at 18°C to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.
Cellaring Recommendation:
Drink now or cellar for 20+ years to witness its continued development and refinement.
Vineyard & Terroir:
The Forgotten Hero Shiraz comes from a single 1951 vineyard, planted in sandy loam over red-brown clay. The rows run north to south, and the vines are single cordon spur-trained, optimizing exposure to the sun and ensuring the quality of the fruit.
Vintage:
The 2020 vintage was dry and warm, resulting in even ripening and excellent balance, with powerful weight and smooth tannins. The wine displays an outstanding color profile, with a deep, intense hue that reflects its exceptional quality.
