South Australia’s Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and finest wine producing regions with Shiraz being the King of the Valley. Think Barossa, and thoughts of sumptuous big reds spring to mind. "The bigger, the better" is the motto with its deep plum, blackberry, spice flavours and amazing longevity. This StarDozen features 3 bottles each from 4 renowned Barossa producers with ratings of 95 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles       Neldner Road Neldner Road Shiraz 2021
3 bottles       Cimicky Cellar Selection Barossa Shiraz 2021
3 bottles       St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah 2018
3 bottles       Lights Valley Colonel Barossa Shiraz 2019

Neldner Road Neldner Road Shiraz 2021
If you ever wanted a window into how good the Barossa was in 2021, then this wonderful wine from Dave Powell is the one. Aromas are completely engaging with a savoury, fruit cake and plum character with a slightly spicy lift. The palate is sumptuously rich and balanced. It’s almost effortlessly smooth and lingering with loads of dark fruits massing in the middle palate before heading to a long finish. Terrific wine. Drink to: 2025-2040; Price: $100.00; Rating: 96 Points; Ray Jordan

Cimicky Cellar Selection Barossa Shiraz 2021
A thoroughly beautiful Barossa shiraz based on the old Barossa but with a modern tweak of refinement. It was a super year, reflected in the dark fruits' depth and balance. Plummy dark chocolate, lightly roasted coffee beans and a little vanilla oak are all true to the regional DNA. The depth and concentration of the fruit sit well with the 26 months in oak. It's intense with a very long palate. A bold but still refined expression of the Barossa. Drink to: 2025-2034; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $58.00; Rating: 95 Points; Ray Jordan

St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah 2018
Average 25yo vines from across Eden Valley; matured in seasoned French oak barrels. St Hallett's deep reach into the great sites of the Eden Valley and its blending wizardry forge an exquisite take on this great vintage. At once concentrated and vibrant, spice-laden and enduring. Impeccably constructed tannins draw out a finish of pinpoint detail and lingering persistence. Drink to: 2038; Date Tasted: Jan 2021; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; Tyson Stelzer; James Halliday Wine Companion

Lights Valley Colonel Barossa Shiraz 2019
Opulent, powerful concentrated; this is Barossa with polish. Sourced from low yielding shiraz vines with the fruit treated with kid gloves from the start. Hand picking, whole bunch fermentation, hand lunging and direct pressing to American and French oak. It works wonders. Ripe black fruits on the nose showing black olive and blackberry. The palate is plush with a grainy chalky influence. Rich and chewy with a polished finish. Drink: 2024 - 2036; Price: $120.00; Rating: 96 Points; Ray Jordan