Shiraz grapes sourced from a renowned 1950 vineyard planted in Kalimna, Barossa Valley. The property once belonging to a notorious second-generation vigneron, long time acquaintance and co-conspirator of The Mysterious Mr. Black.

Since Harry’s passing I have been fortunate enough to build a relationship with the new custodians of this Kalimna property.

A single vineyard of this revered Northern Barossa fruit is used to make The Joker Shiraz. Each year the same sixteen rows are hand pruned, canopy managed, nurtured and hand picked to their seasonal potential by yours truly.

This removal of all variables allows the manifestation of a wine that encourages and encapsulates seasonal and regional variation.

De-stemmed and fermented in a small stainless steel vessel. Lightly circulated twice a day and temperature controlled to allow a slow steady fermentation. Just prior to the wine finishing ferment it is pressed off skins into new and seasoned French oak barrels. Allowing the wine to have this last fizz-out in the barrel encourages a unique harmony and integration between wood and wine. A natural secondary fermentation then occurs in barrel further enhancing this amalgamation. The wine is then racked off its heavy lees & returned to barrel for a minimum of 18 months contemplation before bottling.

The 2023 vintage is the 11th incarnation of The Joker.  This year the Shiraz showcases a youthful and voluptuous vibrancy. A mysterious mixture of red and black fruits, dark chocolate and cherries emanate from the glass. A wine of fine balance and length with a gentle tannin profile and vigorous acidity.

Shinning brightly now with many years of evolution ahead for the patient palate.