Wine review: Saltram The Journal Old Vine Shiraz 2010

Saltram The Journal Old Vine Shiraz 2010

Schultz vineyard, Mount McKenzie, Eden Valley, South Australia

$133-$175

★★★★★/97

Buried among Treasury Wine Estate's vast portfolio are beautiful regional gems, including Saltram The Journal, made from Eden Valley vines planted in Australia's federation year, 1901. This high (472-metre), cooler section of the Barossa Valley produces perfumed, comparatively elegant shiraz with very long-term cellaring potential. In the solid 2010 vintage, Shavaughn Wells made a powerful, brooding wine from these old vines. Despite its power, The Journal is a harmonious red with deep, bright fruit flavours meshed with strong but soft, persistent tannins. It's a wine to marvel at and savour as it evolves during the next half century.