130 Year Old Vines… 96 Points
Astral Series Riebke FG Shiraz 2006
As you are aware, 06 was a cracker vintage and we were lucky enough to have access to some awesome old fruit for the first time. The fruit was from the oldest block that the Riebke bros take care of (around 130 years), and has regularly made Grange and E&E, purchased by Fosters on a per hectare basis. This means that regardless of the yield they get paid the same money from a certain area of land. This system is used regularly in super premium blocks to encourage the growers to limit the yields, as they are guaranteed of stable income. There are limits, however, on maximum yields – and when these are reached fruit gradings often drop like the Aussie dollar, usually regardless of quality.

And this was certainly the case in 06. It made no sense. The block was about 2 tonnes over weight with awesome fruit, but the boys risked being paid nothing for it by the big machine. Hence it came our way. We figured at worst it would probably make Albert quality so we committed some good prices to it. As we didn’t have a defining name for the block, the barrels were simply tagged with FG shiraz…….you’ll have to use your imagination for that one.

“Teusner’s Astral series began with a small batch of grenache in 2005 that they just couldn’t bear to blend away, followed by a couple of barrels of mataro and now this, the first shiraz release.

Sourced from the Riebke vineyard in the Ebenezer district, this stands out firstly for its concentration – inky dark purple in the glass. when a wine carries a lofty price tag like this it needs to impress and this delivers admirably on its promise, getting deep into the heart of the Barossa’s capability for producing ripe, luscious shiraz.

Super-rich dark blackberry and plum fruits roll through muscular yet supple tannins. For all its size, it balances neatly throughout, finishing with smoky oak char. Best from 2016. 96 Points ” March 2009, The Adelaide Review – Nick Stock

“I wonder what FG stands for? Anyway, here’s a wine that I admire for its quality. Much like chocolate mud cake, one small slice is often enough..well maybe just a tiny slither more might be nice… “Say, have you finished with that?”

Surprisingly fresh fruited with a mix of berries, a touch of mint and menthol, chocolate liqueur and coffee cake. It’s ultra smooth and luscious – a real liquid silk wine – but also amazingly fresh and dynamic with no alcohol heat showing. You can drink it now if you’re in the mood for decadance, but the score is for five or six years down the track when it unsweetens a little and savouries up. It’s a wine that won’t die wondering regardless. 95 Points

January 2009, The Winefront – Gary Walsh

Maybe worth keeping but worth drinking now as well

Soft enough for women.

Luzon does not have any barrel aging or any ok at all, the only one that does is the Altos de Luzon. I would recommed tasting again as you have got it horrible wrong. And try some wines from D.O. Yecla & D.O. Bullas.

2003 Trapio Monastrell also if looking for a native, ie Spanish, example.