2016 Kalleske Moppa Shiraz Barossa Valley 750 ml

100-Point Grapes That Made Penfolds Grange

For six generations, the Kalleske family’s bold and juicy Shiraz went into the top bottlings in Australia, namely those of Penfolds Grange—the Barossa Valley producer called an Australian First Growth, and the recipient of numerous 100-point scores from Robert Parker. But when the seventh generation of Kalleskes—brothers Troy and Tony—took the helm of the 150-year-old family business, they decided it was finally time to make wine under their own name. It didn’t take long for the Kalleske winery to produce wines collectors are ranking alongside the iconic Penfolds Shiraz, including this 2016 Moppa Shiraz. In his 94- to 95-point review, James Suckling celebrated its “impressive ripe dark plum, chocolate too” and “great evenness and depth.” If you’re new to Australian wine, there might not be a better entry point. If you’re experienced, we ask that you leave a little for everyone else. 500 bottles up for grabs.

The Kalleske family has been growing grapes in the Barossa Valley since 1853. Pioneers in the field of organic and biodynamic viticulture, the Kalleskes became the first producers in the Barossa Valley to be certified organic and biodynamic in 1998. Stewardship of the land translates directly to the glass in the incredible purity and rich fruit present in the Kalleske wines. The 2016 Moppa Shiraz is no exception—though it is exceptional.  

Harvested from low-yielding vines, some surpassing 50 years of age, the 2016 Kalleske Moppa Shiraz benefited from a hot, dry growing season, which produced magnificent ripeness and concentration in Shiraz berries. 90% Shiraz was blended with a touch of Petit Verdot and Viognier for added complexity, then aged for 13 months in 25% new oak barrels, introducing well-integrated hints of chocolate and spice. Winemaker Troy Kalleske, who himself spent time at Penfolds, has crafted a rich and powerful yet seamless example of Barossa Valley Shiraz.