2021 The Wallace

Glaetzer Wallace takes on the traditional Barossa Valley blend of Shiraz and Grenache with a modern twist. The Shiraz brings intensity, depth and body to the wine and the Grenache adds a softness and vibrant juiciness.

Variety: 84% Shiraz / 16% Grenache

Vineyards: Exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub-district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley.
Vine age: 50—80 year old Shiraz and 50—100 year old Grenache.
Yield: 3.5 tonnes per hectare.

Vintage Conditions: Good rainfall towards the end of Spring and cooler temperatures over the Summer led to excellent soil moisture and vine health over the growing period. La Nina did not bring rain to the Valley in late Summer or Autumn with rainfall being 40% below average. These mild and dry conditions were excellent for flowering, bud burst and veraison. As such, yields are much higher than the disappointingly small 2020 and quality is of a very high standard. The long “Indian Summer’ gave great ripeness and phenolic concentration.

Vinification: Old vine Barossa Grenache has a liveliness and structure that does not benefit from oak maturation—oak contact was thus minimised for the Grenache component to preserve the purity and animation of the fruit. The Shiraz was matured for 16 months in 2—3 year old oak hogshead barrels (80% French / 20% American).

Tasting Notes Colour: Medium to deep garnet with a peripheral suggestion of purple on the rim. Aroma: An enticing nose of dark plum, raspberry and Provencal lavender with hints of anise and pepper grinder.
Palate: Black fruits dominate with touches of pepper and clear blackcurrant. Firm and savoury tannins that remain rounded balance with the brightness on the finish.
Peak Drinking: A wine to enjoy in its youth that will also develop additional complexity for up to 8—10 years of cellaring.

Winsor Dobbin - 94 Points
There are bigger, bolder wines in Ben Glaetzer’s Barossa portfolio but I don’t think there are any that offer better value. If you are planning a barbecue, or having a few folks round to share a pizza, you won’t go wrong with this very smart blend of shiraz and grenache – varieties that are perennial stars in the region. There is fleshiness and juiciness aplenty with an appealing balance between power and immediate drinkability. Wallace is an old family name, by the way. The fruit comes from vines that are between 50-100 years old, so how they do it for the price I have no idea.
Winsor Dobbin, Wine of the Week, November 17 2023, Australia www.wdwineoftheweek.blogspot.com

Robert Parker Wine Advocate - 92 Points
The 2021 Wallace Shiraz Grenache pours a vibrant, refulgent fuchsia in the glass. The Grenache lends it all the raspberry jubes and spice, while the Shiraz gives it plumpness and presence. Really delicious, glossy, silky fruit is supported by a river of the same flowing tannins. Epic value for money. This is fresher, finer and more alive than the 2020 offering. Lovely Stuff!
Erin Larkin, 2023 Wine Advocate Review, July 2023, USA www.robertparker.com

James Halliday - 92 points
A blend of northern Barossa shiraz/grenache. Deep crimson in hue with vibrant aromas of frangipani-flecked dark plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruits underscored with baking spices, rose petals, roasting meats, cola, ginger spice and earth.  Bright acidity, a plume of red cherry and wild strawberry join the party on the palate, with fine sandy tannin and black tea and pure dark and red berry fruits on the exit. Dave Brookes, James Halliday Wine Companion, July 2023, Australia www.winecompanion.com.au

Angus Hughson - 90 points
This well-pitched 2021 Wallace a blend of Shiraz and Grenache, offers up plush, slick aromas of blackberry, wood smoke and spice. Fleshy in style, ample fruit pastille and dark cherry flavors provide good upfront drinkability with slightly firm-edged tannins to finish.
Angus Hughson, Vinous, June 2023, USA www.vinous.com

Ray Jordan - 93 points
You are getting a mighty lot of old vine fruit in this excellent Shiraz Grenache blend from the excellent 2021 vintage. In fact the Shiraz is off 80-year old vines and the Grenache from a range of 50 to 100-year-old vines. It’s a medium to full bodied wine from the Barossa displaying beautifully spicy red fruit throughout. The Shiraz brings the power and presence while the vibrancy of the Grenache is obvious. It’s a remarkably detailed and expressive wine with oak playing a more subdued role.Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot, June 2023, Australia www.winepilot.com

Jeni Port - 91 points
The two Barossa amigos – Shiraz and Grenache – give a display of upfront persuasive Barossa power minus their usual friendly third amigo, Mourvedre. Can’t say I miss Mourvedre. Maybe it’s the quality of the old vine Shiraz – off 50-80-year-old-vines- and even older vine Grenache-50-100 years. Maybe it’s the decision to  inimise Grenache’s time in oak which allows its sweet spice and red fruited liveliness to shine. Whatever the reason, the two hit it off beautifully with a warm, welcoming display in aromas of blackstrap licorice, blackberry, raspberry, earth and background leather. Good intensity of sweet, ripe fruit to taste with floral notes and lifted red berries, plums and spice with added texture that leads the wine into some mighty friendly drinking territory. Generous to start, it firms up nicely courtesy of an established tannin presence. Jeni Port, Wine Pilot, June 2023, Australia www.winepilot.com 

Shanteh Wale - 93 points
You know this wine or no doubt you've seen its eye-catching label with its Celtic symbol, the ruby cross somehow draws you in and says “Drink me! I’m delicious.” and delicious it is. This vintage is made up of 84% Shiraz 16% Grenache from excellent stock of old vine material. We are talking about Shiraz vines between 50-80 years old and Grenache of 50-100 years in age. No question this is skilfully blended with the aromatics of deep, brooding and concentrated blackberry, plum and mulberry with the added lift and exotic red berried spice that elevates the drinkability of the wine. The Glaetzer style of generosity remains, but with a floral elegance and successful restraint. Juicy, bold and almost too delicious to share. Drink alone with the Proclaimers blaring on your sound system.
Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot, June 2023, Australia www.winepilot.com