Spicy new Schwarz Meta Barossa Shiraz 2014

Schwarz Meta Barossa Shiraz 2014

The Schwarz wines continue to impress, with this Meta range, in particular, moving away from the expected Barossa style and exploring what can be done. It doesn’t always work, but important to have a label that pushes the boat out. More please. More producers willing to have a segment within their range for experiments please.

This is hand picked and wild fermented with 24% whole bunches, no fining or filtration and just 1400 bottles produced.

Purple just going dark ruby, the first hit is vanilla oak, then purple berries, sweet sausage meat, oregano and then a further flood of berries. Really sweet fruit and oak but offset with whole bunch spice too. Works a treat. Lovely juicy palate is both exuberant and  lush but the leaf and meat of bunchy goodness just adds detail. Very much the bright and well kept (but spicy) future of the Barossa here, if just a little too young. Best drinking: 2019-2028. 18/20, 93/100. 14.2%, $35. Would I buy it? Sure would. I’d prefer to drink it from 18 months though.