South Australia’s Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and finest wine producing regions of Shiraz. 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 95 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        1847 First Pick Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018
3 bottles         Hewitson The Mad Hatter Shiraz 2020
3 bottles         Archery Road Bullseye Barossa Shiraz 2018
3 bottles         Schild Estate Edel Barossa Shiraz 2018

1847 First Pick Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018
Oh my. This is what Barossa shiraz is all about in an outstanding vintage. It’s all about the vines, fruit selection and then further barrel culling to produce a limited release wine that speaks articulately of the Barossa and its rich heritage. Powerful and concentrated yet velvety smooth. The perfumed aromas of spices, violets and dark plum with a little dark cherry are captivating. The palate is lavish and rich with great texture. It is a wine that will handle extended cellaring. Price: $480.00; Drink: To 2042; Rating: 97 Points; Ray Jordan

Hewitson The Mad Hatter Shiraz 2020
From 2016 this has been a selection from the best vineyards of the vintage and in 2020 there was some sensational fruit from which to choose. The colour is deep and dark. The aromas burst with dark chocolate liqueur and satsuma plums with a sprinkle of coffee grounds and dried herbs. It has been made to retain its fruit elegance which is delivered with such poise. Bottle price: $50.00; Drink to: 2022 - 2037; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 96 Points; Ray Jordan

Archery Road Bullseye Barossa Shiraz 2018
Fruit is sourced from 50 year old vines Matured in a mix of French (70%) and American Oak (30%) hogsheads for 24 months. Ripe mulberry and boysenberry. Tonka bean, tapioca pearls and crushed allspice. A hint of dried sour cherries, boot polish and pencil lead. Turned potting soil Wood Ear mushroom. The wine is drinking beautifully with coffee liqueur tones overlaid with fine acidity and dusty tannins. Drinking well now and still a ways for it to go, say another 8 years. This would look beautiful with beef wellington. Rating: 95 Points; Shanteh Wale; Wine Pilot

Schild Estate Edel Barossa Shiraz 2018
Another superb Barossa Shiraz – generous, bold, balanced and decadent. Only 25 barrels of this wine were made so do not hesitate as it certainly exceeds the quality of plenty of wines twice the price and more. This is quintessential Barossa Shiraz. Inky dark purple, there are blackberry notes, cloves, new leather and violets, spices and florals. Vanillin oak but there is excellent integration afoot. The palate explodes with chocolate, mocha, aniseed, coffee beans, blackcurrants, cassis and soy. Supple texture, the wine is balanced and generous with boundless energy. Good intensity and a fine line of acidity run the full length of this wine. A lingering finish, it will drink superbly for the next twelve to twenty years. Drink to: 2044; Rating: 97 Points; Ken Gargett