The Schild name has a long history in the Barossa, dating back to 1952 when Ben Schild purchased the Three Springs Farm property in Rowland Flat and settled with his family. Today, second and third generation vigneron’s work side by side to solidify Schild Estate’s reputation, built on its commitment to translating the unique rapestry of its vineyards into wines that speak of honesty and drinkability.
Despite some early heat during veraison, the remainder of the 2009 vintage was characterised by cooler than average temperatures, thus ensuring a long slow ripening period. This allowed flavours to develop at their own pace and gave our winemaking team some room to move in order to determine the exact optimum time to pick. The resulting wines from the vintage have clearly benefited and are showing a real depth of flavour and balance. The 2009 Schild Estate Barossa Shiraz is designed to reflect the soft, elegant palate of Schild Estate’s viticultural home in the southern portions of the Barossa Valley. It has been sourced from a number of carefully selected vineyard parcels in and around Lyndoch, picked in the cool of the night and processed in open fermenters at the winery before being matured in a combination of French and American oak.
An expressive Shiraz, bursting with dark plum and bright blueberry notes, joined by hints of roasted meat and spice. The finish rolls along with an airy, open texture that lets the flavors sail. Has depth and pinpoint balance. Drink now through 2019". 92 Points; The Wine Spectator
Politics aside, this is a belter of a Barossa Shiraz and a more 'serious' wine to its predecessor. The bouquet is about luscious bright cherries and plum fruit, a hint of mocha and a slab of Christmas cake spices of cloves and cinnamon. In the mouth the bright fruit shows its brooding dark side and the whole package has a sumptuous texture with a long line of savoury characters balancing the luscious fruit and perfect acidity on the end. I'm certain there will be some decade long drinking windows when this is reviewed by take it from me, an hour's air is all this needs and it is perfect right now. The price is the same $14.99 and I'm here to say this will give the 2008 a run for its money - the first bottling that is! Excellent wine and dare I say it, the club house leader as this year’s Bargain of the Year! Drink: Now-2015+; Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© February 2012