The Schwarz family most definitely qualifies as ‘local’ in a Barossa sense. Five generations as residents, then two as grape growers, and now Jason Schwarz as a first-generation winemaker. Convincing his father to part with a small parcel of Shiraz from their Nitschke Block Vineyard in the 2001 vintage, followed by Grenache from the Thiele Road Vineyard in 2002 Schwarz Wine Co. was up and running. 

Seventeen different parcels of fruit were used from nine different growers coming from the sub regions of Marananga in the West, Stockwell in the North, Eden Valley in the East and Bethany in the South.

52% Grenache / 46% Shiraz / 2% Mataro

A silky-smooth Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre which is sourced from growers throughout the valley. Plush dark fruits with a savoury ferrous character cutting through the deeper dark plummy flavours. The palate is supple with a soft tannin influence and fine oak integration. Stacks up well. Tasted: July 2024; Drink to: 2024-2034; Price: $32.00; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 93 Points; Ray Jordan

What a great blend! Just give me a straw. Delicious! A riot of juicy fruit coupled with an undertow of savoury delight, this is a fabulous GSM. Blueberries, mulberries and baked raspberries lead the charge with some charcuterie board meatiness, burnt ends, char, dried herbs, puffs of earth and fine spices scrambling to keep pace. Woodsy and baking spices roll out to a sustained finish urging you back for more. And with the going this good, it's hard to resist temptation. Load up! Drink to five years. Price: $32.00; Rating: 93 Points; Q Wine

Deep ruby, this generously flavoured and detailed Grenache blend shows good focus of blackberry, black cherry and meaty spice aromas with a touch of tar. Hearty flavours follow with ample texture but a well integrated tannin frame. A Barossa Côtes du Rhône style that is well balanced and will deliver for some years to come. Rating: 93 Points; Andrew Caillard MW; The Vintage Journal