The Colonial Estate Explorateur Barossa Valley Shiraz 2023 captures the pure opulence and depth of one of Australia’s most revered wine regions. Sourced from low-yielding vineyards across Marananga, Greenock, Moppa, Ebenezer and Stockwell — a legendary north-western Barossa Valley corridor — this wine reflects a terroir celebrated for producing some of the most structured and expressive Shiraz in the country. Crafted with the same precision and equipment as the estate’s flagship wines, fermentation follows a French-inspired approach for most of the fruit, resulting in an elegant yet powerful expression of Barossa Shiraz.

In the glass, it glows deep purple with a red-brick rim, hinting at both richness and finesse. Ripe blackberry, licorice, aniseed and subtle oak aromas rise from the glass, setting the stage for a plush and layered palate. Blackberry and plum flavours unfold with velvety precision, evolving into a mid-palate of fine-grained tannins and savoury complexity. Notes of olive, roasted cashew and charry oak linger long into a smooth, moreish finish.

Awarded 95 Points and Gold Medal, this vintage is a testament to the power and elegance of Barossa Shiraz. It’s the perfect partner for braised lamb shanks, beef short ribs, pepper-crusted steak or aged cheddar, and will continue to evolve beautifully with cellaring.