Seppelt St Peters Grampians Shiraz 2022 is the pinnacle of cool-climate Australian Shiraz — a wine released only in exceptional vintages and revered for its precision, elegance and extraordinary cellaring pedigree. First produced in 1964 under the name “Great Western Hermitage,” this flagship Shiraz has become a benchmark for the Grampians region, celebrated for its ability to combine sheer power with grace. Renamed St Peters in 1998 in honour of the first vineyard planted in the region, it continues to stand as one of Australia’s most collectible and age-worthy Shiraz expressions.

The 2022 growing season was marked by above-average rainfall, with significant January rain pushing out the ripening window. Unseasonably cool and dry conditions through February and March allowed slow, steady flavour development, enhancing structure and aromatic intensity. Despite smaller yields — partly due to early-season hail — the quality of fruit was outstanding, producing wines with stunning regional definition and purity.

In the glass, the wine reveals a fragrant, layered bouquet of blackberry and blueberry fruit intertwined with licorice, violets, bay leaf and exotic spice. Subtle flint and cordite nuances speak to its Great Western origins. On the palate, silky blackberry and blueberry fruit glide seamlessly alongside black pepper, river rock and savoury black olive. Underlying mineral gunflint and charry oak add complexity, while graphite-like tannins create a powerful framework that will carry this wine for decades.

This is a wine that speaks of place, precision and patience — classified as “Excellent” by Langton’s in its Classification of Australian Wine VII and rated 98 Points by Ray Jordan (Wine Pilot), 97 Points by Huon Hooke (The Real Review), 96 Points by Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front) and 95 Points by Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion). It’s superb with aged beef fillet, venison, duck breast with pepperberry jus or wild mushroom ragù. Cellar confidently for 20–50 years to see its full majesty unfold.