Sorby Adams The Parish Hall St Boniface Shiraz 2022

This wine comes from the northern sub-regions of the Barossa, which typically produce more intense, concentrated Shiraz due to the warmer climate and ancient soils. The combination of dark fruit intensity with American oak maturation creates a distinctive profile that balances power with elegance. Unlike many commercial Shiraz wines, this shows the complexity and depth that comes from single vineyard fruit and careful winemaking.

This wine has excellent cellaring potential of up to 10 years from vintage, meaning it will continue developing until around 2032. The full-bodied structure and American oak integration provide the tannin backbone necessary for long-term ageing. As it matures, the bold dark fruit flavours will evolve into more complex secondary characters like leather, tobacco, and earthy notes while maintaining its core intensity.

The wine's meaty character and rich dark fruit profile make it perfect for red meat dishes like grilled steaks, lamb shanks, or barbecued ribs. The mocha and chocolate notes complement dishes with rich sauces or even dark chocolate desserts. The American oak influence and spice elements also pair beautifully with game meats or hearty stews where the wine's intensity won't be overwhelmed.

The consistent 90-point scores across different rating systems reflect the wine's exceptional quality and the 2022 vintage conditions in the Barossa. These ratings recognise Sorby Adams as a top producer and acknowledge this as a 'killer vintage' where everything came together perfectly. Single vineyard fruit combined with skilled winemaking has produced a wine that showcases the best of what Barossa Shiraz can offer.

Upon opening, you'll be greeted with intense aromas of black cherry and violets, followed by rich flavours of dark fruits, mocha, and chocolate with underlying spice notes. The full-bodied palate delivers immediate impact but also shows the complexity that will continue to unfold over the next decade. While delicious now, decanting for 30-60 minutes will help integrate the American oak and allow the wine's full character to emerge.