South Australia’s Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and finest wine producing regions with Shiraz being the King of the Valley. Think Barossa, and thoughts of sumptuous big reds spring to mind. "The bigger, the better" is the motto with its deep plum, blackberry, spice flavours and amazing longevity. This StarDozen features 3 bottles each from 4 renowned Barossa producers with ratings of 94 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles       Hewitson Ned & Henry's Shiraz 2020
3 bottles       Auld Dean Street Creek Barossa Shiraz 2019
3 bottles       Epic Negociants Barossa Alluvial Fans Shiraz 2019
3 bottles       St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah 2019

Hewitson Ned & Henry's Shiraz 2020
Such a smooth and supple expression for the Barossa. It’s loaded with sweet ripe plummy fruit displaying a mix of chocolate and mulberry with a neat peppery spice lift. So bright and lively with palate energy that drives it effortless to a long finish. Life of the party stuff here. Drink to: 2021 - 2031; Alcohol: 14.2%; Rating: 94 Points; Ray Jordan

Auld Dean Street Creek Barossa Shiraz 2019
Bright deep ruby, it offers up a smorgasbord of blackberry compote, baked earth and black pepper with toasty, balanced oak well balanced. The rich, muscular fruit continues on the palate and it takes on a more savoury, and earthy feel over hearty dark berry and leather fruit flavours. Tannins are well integrated, but they are there, supporting significant flavour with soft acidity fitting in nicely. It’s long too which completes what is a delicious package. Tasted: August 2021; Drink: 2024 - 2035; Rating: 95 Points; Wine Pilot

Epic Negociants Barossa Alluvial Fans Shiraz 2019
Richly fruited and perfumed, the fabulously expressed bouquet shows Black Doris plum, blackberry, vanilla and hazelnut characters with a gorgeous floral overtone. The palate delivers excellent weight and fruit intensity together with fleshy texture and silky tannins, making it immensely appealing. At its best: 2021 to 2028; Rating: 94 Points; Sam Kim; Wine Orbit

St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah 2019
I've been impressed in recent years by the quality of St Hallett's forays into the Eden Valley and their take on syrah from the higher ground. From the dry and low-yielding 2019 vintage, the picture is again one of elegance and grace. The fruit is more in the spectrum of black cherry and dark plum, with plentiful spice, purple floral high-tones and crushed-quartz tannins, impressive detail and clarity, and a finish that lingers nicely with memories of cherry and spice. Drink to: 2035; Price: $60.00; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 95 Points; Dave Brookes; James Halliday Wine Companion