Baileys of Glenrowan Organic Shiraz 2016
The Baileys of Glenrowan vineyard is a sleeping giant. A 144ha, certified organic vineyard with vines over a century old.
That’s a large organic plot.
At one stage it was Treasury’s largest certified organic vineyard. Yet that didn’t stop the constant talk of when Baileys would be sold. For years, it was another ‘asset’ to be offloaded…
Then, finally, it happened, but with the right result, as the Casella family stepped in with a promise to give this heritage brand more of the love it deserves (much like the Peter Lehmann story).
We’re now 18 months into the Casella-backed Baileys era, so probably too early for significant changes. But the wines are good. They’re real, they’re regional, and they’re anything but overdone. The place oozes with history and potential, and with fellow Dookie alumni Paul Dahlenburg (also one half of Eldorado Road) still driving things forward, it’s all coming up Milhouse.
This red is just as clever. It’s deep and dark and ripe in a northern Victorian mode, But it’s not heavy, not cooked, not raisined. Just inky black. Licoricey and dark berried. Full, but moderate too. There’s real satisfaction in the dense but not style here. And at a great price too. Best drinking: Now to ten years plus. 17.7/20, 92/100. 13.5%, $27. Would I buy it? Worth sharing a bottle.
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6 Comments
“it’s all coming up Milhouse”. I seriously wonder how many of your readers get this reference. Hahaha
As long as I’m entertaining someone
I was a little surprised when Casella bought Bailey’s. I thought it would be a little too close to what was offered at Morris with the Northern Victorian style reds and a healthy dose of fortifieds. At least they seem to understand that the history of both brands is important and aren’t trying to mess things up.
I think Bailey’s was also a vineyard resource decision. It’s a large organic vineyard, which is a rare asset in itself.
Agree that it’s a positive they’re recognising the brand history though.
Ive just opened a 2016 ‘organic’ shiraz from Baileys. Is it just me, or is it a problem with the organic wine that makes it not quite right? The nose is slightly ‘off’, and the taste is not quite right, although I usually love the Baileys shiraz. Anyone else have this opinion?
Hmm. Sounds like a bad bottle? Organics is focused on the vineyard, and will typically result in a quality uplift rather than the opposite