Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2001

Colin Glaetzer established his own label, Glaetzer Wines, to create the wines he’s passionate about – limited quantities of benchmark Barossa reds.

This family-owned company is an expression of more than 30 years of winemaking for Colin, and a new chapter for the Glaetzers who have been in the Barossa since 1888.

Colin and his winemaker son Ben craft small volumes of super-premium wines, using exceptional fruit from ancient, dry-grown vineyards in the Ebenezer district of the valley.

With minimal intervention, they turn this fruit into wines which show Glaetzer’s trademark elegance and softness.

Bishop Shiraz shares many qualities with its "big brother" Glaetzer Shiraz but is not merely a shadow of that wine.

The full-bodied wine is made predominantly from 30 to 60-year-old vines at Ebenezer and always contains material from the oldest 80-year-old vines. This ensures the Glaetzer "house" style is evident.

Powerful without being overpowering, the nose displays cracked black pepper, nutmeg and earthy spice. Rich and full bodied on the palate with ripe, smooth and supple tannin. Briary fruit intermingles with plums, cassis and hints of fine grained oak. A full bodied yet restrained wine that will benefit from careful cellaring for up to a decade after release.

The name Bishop is a family name of Colin's wife Judith.

PLACED SECOND (AFTER 2001 GLAETZER SHIRAZ) IN AUSTRALIAN GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE MAGAZINE’S Best of Barossa Shiraz Tasting (April/May 2004)

"The big winner at the tasting was the family company, Glaetzer. Winemakers Colin and Ben Glaetzer, produced the top two wines (out of 40) of the tasting with the 2001 Glaetzer Shiraz and the 2001 Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz - class and consistency - in very strong company - The Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz also scored universally high points. Hooke found it "delicious" and commented on its vibrant coconutty oak, the focused and tightly knitted structure of it palate and its great drive and balance."

"Colin Glaetzer is a Barossa stalwart who has for many years worked without fame or fortune. Ben Glaetzer typifies the new generation of confident and decisive winemakers,..."
Peter Bourne Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine April/May 2004

"...a modern and innovative winemaker, always experimenting, constantly evolving."
Sophie Otton Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine April/may 2004

COLIN AND BEN GLAETZER
Finalists - AGT WINE magazine Winemaker of the Year 2004

Technical Details

Winemaker: Colin Glaetzer, Ben Glaetzer
Growing region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Variety: Shiraz, 100%

Vinification: After initial fermentation in small, open vats, the wine is aged in seasoned American and French hogsheads for 18 months.

Alcohol volume: 14.0%
Acidity: 5.70g/L
PH: 3.5