Product Description
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Schwarz Wine Co., Nitschke Block, Shiraz, 2021, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Producer Profile
While not holding any formal qualifications in winemaking, Jason’s appetite for the subject was voracious and he was lucky to learn from some of the Barossa’s finest winemakers until finally, after some encouragement from friends he approached his father to discuss buying a small parcel of the fruit from the 2001 vintage. He agreed and Jason put together his first Nitschke Block Shiraz, making only two hogs head barrels. In 2002 Jason produced his first Thiele Road Grenache and have made both wines every vintage since. To this day Jason’s parents have supported his venture and without their encouragement and the sacrifice of some of the Barossa’s greatest Shiraz and Grenache he could not have made this dream happen.
Relationships with some of the Barossa’s finest vignerons have grown over the years and having access to some of the region’s best old-vine fruit allows Jason to take a hands-off, intuitive approach in the winery.
Jason’s minimal intervention winemaking style enables him to create small-batch wines that are not mainstream – they are new-age expressions of Barossa classics, designed to allow the fruit to speak for itself and tell a story through the glass.
Viticulture & Winemaking
In the heart of Vintage 2021, the Nitschke Block Shiraz comes alive, a testament to the dance between nature and craft. As February dawned, our journey began, with the first pick surprising us on the 19th, mere days after rosé’s call. With 20% whole bunches from both A and B blocks, our grapes met the ferment under the shroud of darkness tucked away in its own stainless-steel tank, embracing carbonic maceration, followed by foot stomping (thanks to the my kids), and pump overs…. March brought the final flourish, with more fruit from my families Nitschke Block joining the symphony, wild yeast whispering promises of natural beginnings. Maturation saw a marriage of Hogsheads and Puncheons, 75% seasoned French oak mingling with the boldness of new French Oak barrels.
Through the gentle press of the basket, flavours and dreams intertwined, crafting a Shiraz that sings of the soil, the sun, and the soul of our labour. Welcome to the Nitschke Block, where every sip tells a tale of passion and pride.
A vegan friendly wine bottled with no fining or filtration.
Tasting Note
“Wild yeast, whole bunches and old, dry grown vines. The coda of contemporary Barossa. A sweet entry. Red pastille, licorice root and smoked meats. A tannic brood hides this wine’s savoury tones at first sip. They come with time. A highly aromatic, full-bodied and contemporary expression of Barossa shiraz, crafted very well.” Ned Goodwin MW, James Sucking
Goes well with
Barbequed, thick-cut, sirloin steak.
Cellaring
Will continue to improve with careful cellaring for 10-15 years.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“Single-vineyard shiraz from the Nitschke block in Bethany, planted by Jason Schwarz’s parents in 1968; wild-yeast ferment and a proportion of whole bunches. An initial blast of ripe macerated plum and cassis characters backed up by hints of olive tapenade, violets, cedar, amaro herbs, earth, licorice, vanilla, baking spices and chocolate-dipped cherries. Broody and resonant on the palate with a deep, dark fruit presence, layers of spice and fine, powdery tannin and a cassis-like finish that shows great sustain.” 94 POINTS – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Features
Varieties: Shiraz 100%
Colour: Red
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Style: Still Wine
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: Australia
Region: Barossa Valley
Vintage: 2021
