Description
The 2022 Seppeltsfield Vineyard Shiraz is a masterclass in regional precision from Curator Wine Co. Sourced from a single, sustainably farmed site in the historic Seppeltsfield sub-region of the Barossa Valley, this wine highlights the “iron fist in a velvet glove” character for which this area is famed.
Under the guidance of winemaker Tom White, this Shiraz balances the natural opulence of old-vine fruit with a sophisticated, structural elegance.
The Terroir: Seppeltsfield’s Red Earth
The Seppeltsfield sub-region is defined by its ancient, iron-rich red clay over limestone. These “heavy” soils produce fruit with incredible concentration and a distinctively savory, earthy undertone.
Microclimate: The 2022 season provided a cooler-than-average ripening period, allowing for a slow accumulation of flavor and the retention of vibrant natural acidity.
Vine Age: Sourced from established vines that have dug deep into the Barossa subsoil, resulting in small berries with thick skins and intense aromatic complexity.
The Craft: Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression
Following the Curator Wine Co philosophy of minimal intervention, this Shiraz was crafted to let the vineyard speak for itself.
Fermentation: Hand-harvested and naturally fermented in small open-top fermenters.
Maturation: Aged in a combination of seasoned French oak puncheons and hogsheads. The use of older wood ensures that the spicy, dark-fruit profile of the Shiraz remains the protagonist, rather than being overshadowed by heavy toast.
Pure & Vegan: Bottled without fining or filtration, preserving the natural texture and “raw” energy of the wine.
The Appearance: A deep, concentrated purple with a vibrant magenta rim.
The Nose: High-toned aromatics of blood plum, blackberry, and dried violets, underscored by classic Seppeltsfield notes of cocoa powder, ironstone, and cracked black pepper.
The Palate: Full-bodied yet remarkably fluid. It leads with plush layers of dark forest fruits and silken chocolate, supported by fine-grained, architectural tannins.
The Finish: Long and resonant, tapering into a refreshing mineral “snap” and a lingering hint of savory spice.
