Cape Barren Wines first vintage was in 1999, and the philosophy has and always will be to source the very highest quality of grapes, from regions most suited to each variety, and then craft exceptional world class wines of outstanding value. Summers in McLaren Vale are often accompanied by the arrival of magnificent Cape Barren Geese. These rare and striking birds, once feared near extinction, are the inspiration for the name.

The vines for this prestige Shiraz from McLaren Vale are all thirty-five years and older. The wine enjoyed fifteen days skin contact. Not under screwcap and very much the heavy bottle syndrome. Deep garnet/maroon. Layers of oak here, giving the wine vanillin notes. We have plushness and richness. The wine is chockful of chocolate, cassis, blackberries and licorice. Flavour out the wahzoo! Just what one would hope for from a premium Shiraz from a great vintage from one of our top regions. Gorgeous texture, balance immaculate and the length really impressive. Delicious. This has fifteen to twenty years ahead, if you can be patient. Date Tasted: April 2024; Drink to: 2044; Price: $150.00; Rating: 97 Points; Ken Gargett

Just like a butterfly, give this some time to emerge from its chrysalis and you'll be rewarded deluxe. Rich and dense, this will live long. From 35+ year old vines grown in sandy loam and brown clay soils, it spent 24 months in new and seasoned French and American oak. Already with six years under its belt, this is layered on thick. It opens with scents of cedar and sandalwood that flank the blackberries and dark plummy fruit. Dutch cocoa and mocha move and sway through the mouth as it slides in and rolls about like a big ball of melted chocolate. A wine more about its richness and presence, I can't help but admire it the longer it sits. Over a few days of tasting, it opened up wonderfully revealing some moreish baking spices and finishing with super fine tannins. Give it the time it deserves and you won't be disappointed. Drink to: 2034+; Price: $150.00; Rating: 95 Points; QWine