Tasting notes

The premium shiraz from the Smith Family’s Barton Hill vineyard shows a real sense of place- reflecting the demanding terroir of the Eden Valley, source of some of the Barossa’s greatest and most elegant wines. The vineyard is high (480 meters), exposed to severe climatic conditions including occasional snow in winter, and has light, shallow soils over limestone rocky outcrops. Called “The Changeling” because Shiraz was grafted in 1997 onto 25 year-old Traminer vines, the wine shows typical Shiraz depth and complexity of flavour as well as the spiciness which typifies high quality Eden Valley fruit. The wine was made by master Barossa winemaker Rolf Binder in his new Dorrien winery. It was matured for 18 months in a majority of new American and French oak.

Rating

Robert Parker 91 points (Aug 2003) The inky purple-colored 2001 Shiraz The Changeling offers up aromas of flowers (acacia or violets?), black and blue fruits, spice, and subtle toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, powerful yet elegant, this beauty is best drunk now and over the next 10-15 years. This is an impressive operation that deserves attention from Australian wine enthusiasts. Owner Peter Smith and winemaker Rolf Binder (best known as the owner/winemaker of Veritas) are high on the potential of Eden Valley, a cooler sub-region of the Barossa.