Description
The 2023 Marananga Vineyard Shiraz is the “powerhouse” of the Curator Wine Co portfolio. Sourced from the estate’s home vineyard on the legendary Western Ridge of the Barossa Valley, this wine embodies the opulent, dark-fruited intensity that has made Marananga one of the most coveted sub-regions in Australia.
Under winemaker Tom White, the 2023 vintage showcases a remarkable balance of raw Barossa muscle and a refined, cooling-season elegance.
The Terroir: The Iron Fist of Marananga
Marananga is famous for its ancient, weathered soils. The Curator home vineyard sits on deep red-brown earth over a heavy clay base, interspersed with shattered ironstone.
Western Ridge Profile: This specific geology limits vine vigor, resulting in small, thick-skinned berries with immense concentration and structural power.
The 2023 Season: A cooler, longer growing season than the previous decade allowed for “hang time” without excessive sugar accumulation. This resulted in a Shiraz with deep flavor maturity but a surprising, vibrant lift.
The Craft: Traditional Power, Modern Restraint
Tom White utilizes time-honored Barossa techniques but avoids the heavy-handed oak and over-extraction of the past.
Small-Batch Fermentation: Hand-harvested and fermented in small open-top vessels with twice-daily pump-overs to manage tannin extraction.
Basket Pressed: Gently pressed to traditional wooden basket presses to ensure a supple, velvety mouthfeel.
Oak Regime: Matured for 18 months in a combination of new (25%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads. The touch of new oak provides a structural frame for the intense Marananga fruit.
Integrity: Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 100% Vegan friendly.
The Appearance: Opaque ink-purple with a dense, violet core.
The Nose: A massive aromatic profile of Satsuma plum, mulberry, and dark chocolate, layered with notes of star anise, graphite, and charcuterie.
The Palate: Full-bodied and commanding. It offers a “wall of fruit”—blackberry and espresso—supported by broad, ripe tannins that coat the mouth.
The Finish: Exceptional length, driven by a savory, ferrous (iron-like) minerality that is the hallmark of the Marananga Western Ridge.
