Shiraz 100%.
From the historic Block 21—Taltarni’s oldest Shiraz vines planted in the late 1960s—this single-parcel wine is a precise expression of the 2022 Pyrenees vintage. A cooler, extended ripening period yielded fruit with vibrant natural acidity, layered aromatics, and exceptional tannin definition.
30% whole bunch inclusion lends aromatic lift and savoury complexity, complementing dark cherry, blackcurrant, and Szechuan pepper notes. The fermentation was managed with heading-down boards and minimal pump-overs to preserve fruit purity and extract fine-grained tannins. Malolactic fermentation was completed in 30% new and seasoned French oak barriques, contributing subtle structure and spice without overpowering the fruit.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied but tightly coiled, with a core of concentrated red and black fruits, integrated acidity, and a long, mineral-tinged finish. This is a site-driven Shiraz with finesse, ageability, and a true sense of place.
Previously known as ‘Old Block’ – the Old Vine Series was created to showcase the traditions of our winery and the elegance that can be attained from old vines in our Pyrenees vineyard. Taltarni was founded on these big, beautiful reds; they’re our pedigree.
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Drink now or cellar for 10 – 20 years.
The 2022 vintage in the Pyrenees, Victoria, was shaped by a cooler and extended growing season, which allowed for gradual ripening and excellent flavour development in red varieties. These conditions contributed to wines with vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and deeply concentrated fruit characters. The moderate temperatures and well-timed rainfall led to balanced canopy growth and ideal conditions for flavour accumulation, with fruit harvested at optimal ripeness.
Sourced from the oldest Shiraz vines on the Taltarni estate (Block 21), planted in the late 1960s, this wine is the product of careful vineyard management. Yields were kept below 5 tonnes per hectare through fruit and shoot thinning to ensure concentration and balance. From harvest, this parcel was treated separately in the winery to preserve its distinctive qualities and expression of site.
Hand-harvested in the cool morning hours, the fruit was destemmed into a small open-top fermenter, with 30% retained as whole bunches. Fermentation was inoculated and the cap managed primarily through heading-down boards, with minimal pump-overs to encourage gentle extraction. Over a 10-day ferment at elevated temperatures, fine tannins and vivid red fruit notes developed, capturing both delicacy and the distinct terroir of Block 21.
Malolactic fermentation was initiated toward the end of primary ferment and completed in a mix of 30% new and seasoned French oak barriques. The result is a wine of impressive structure and complexity, reflecting the character of the 2022 vintage and the enduring quality of our old vines.
Pair with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
Alcohol: 14.0%
pH: 3.54
Acidity (TA): 5.7 g/L
Pyrenees, Victoria.
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