South Australia’s Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and finest wine producing regions of Shiraz. 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        St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah 2019
3 bottles        1847 First Pick Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018
3 bottles        John Duval Entity Shiraz 2021
3 bottles        Hewitson The Mad Hatter Shiraz 2020

St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah 2019
I've been impressed in recent years by the quality of St Hallett's forays into the Eden Valley and their take on syrah from the higher ground. From the dry and low-yielding 2019 vintage, the picture is again one of elegance and grace. The fruit is more in the spectrum of black cherry and dark plum, with plentiful spice, purple floral high-tones and crushed-quartz tannins, impressive detail and clarity, and a finish that lingers nicely with memories of cherry and spice. Drink to: 2035; Price: $60.00; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 95 Points; Dave Brookes; James Halliday Wine Companion

1847 First Pick Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018
Oh my. This is what Barossa shiraz is all about in an outstanding vintage. It’s all about the vines, fruit selection and then further barrel culling to produce a limited release wine that speaks articulately of the Barossa and its rich heritage. Powerful and concentrated yet velvety smooth. The perfumed aromas of spices, violets and dark plum with a little dark cherry are captivating. The palate is lavish and rich with great texture. It is a wine that will handle extended cellaring. Price: $480.00; Drink: To 2042; Rating: 97 Points; Ray Jordan

John Duval Entity Shiraz 2021
Intense purple-red colour and a spicy/meaty and dried-herb bouquet, very fragrant for such a big, powerful shiraz, with dried thyme, oregano and mace notes. The palate is powerful, concentrated and the intensity driving and long. There is delicious fruit sweetness and a warming heart to this lovely wine. Great to drink now and for at least 20 years more. Date Tasted: Feb 2023; Drink: 202 to 2043; Price: $55.00; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Hewitson The Mad Hatter Shiraz 2020
From 2016 this has been a selection from the best vineyards of the vintage and in 2020 there was some sensational fruit from which to choose. The colour is deep and dark. The aromas burst with dark chocolate liqueur and satsuma plums with a sprinkle of coffee grounds and dried herbs. It has been made to retain its fruit elegance which is delivered with such poise. Bottle price: $50.00; Drink to: 2022 - 2037; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 96 Points; Ray Jordan