Schild Estate 'Edel' Shiraz 2018

The 'Edel' Shiraz showcases the exceptional quality that comes from Schild Estate's heritage vineyard sites in the Barossa Valley. The 2018 vintage was particularly outstanding, delivering complex layers of macerated plums, vanilla pods, and roasted coffee beans that reflect the region's ability to produce concentrated yet elegant Shiraz. Its 97-point rating from Ken Gargett demonstrates how this wine captures the essence of premium Barossa terroir.

While this 2018 Shiraz is already drinking beautifully with its silky palate and integrated tannins, full-bodied Barossa Shiraz typically develops additional complexity over 8-15 years. The wine's robust structure and concentrated fruit flavours suggest it will continue to evolve, with the vanilla and spice notes becoming more harmonious while the blackberry and liquorice characters deepen. You can enjoy it now or cellar it until 2030-2035 for peak maturity.

The rich, spicy profile and full body of this Shiraz make it an ideal match for robust dishes like slow-cooked lamb shanks, grilled ribeye steak, or aged hard cheeses. The wine's liquorice and spice notes complement Middle Eastern cuisine beautifully, while its blackberry fruit can stand up to barbecued meats with bold marinades. The coffee bean undertones also make it surprisingly good with dark chocolate desserts.

The exceptional ratings (97 points from Ken Gargett, 96 from Wine Orbit) reflect the wine's remarkable complexity and balance for its price point. Critics were impressed by the seamless integration of fruit, oak, and spice elements, along with the wine's ability to deliver both power and elegance. The 2018 vintage conditions in Barossa were particularly favourable, allowing Schild Estate's heritage vines to produce fruit with exceptional concentration and character.

Heritage vineyards in the Barossa Valley often contain old vines that have been established for decades, sometimes over a century, producing fruit with incredible depth and complexity. These mature vine systems develop deep root structures that access different soil layers, contributing to the wine's distinctive mineral backbone and concentrated flavours. Schild Estate's commitment to these heritage sites ensures the 'Edel' Shiraz captures the authentic character that makes Barossa Valley one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions.