Wallace by Ben Glaetzer 2021
Wallace by Ben Glaetzer takes on the traditional Barossa Valley blend of Shiraz and Grenache in a modern way. The Shiraz brings backbone, flesh and body to the wine with the Grenache adding a soft, vibrant juiciness. Wallace is an ancestral name of Colin Glaetzer's wife, Judith, whose family hail from the old market town of Cupar in Fife, Scotland. Judith's Celtic ancestry is reflected in the three elements of the Wallace symbol - the Celtic cross, thistle and the Celtic knot pattern. This vintage is a blend of Shiraz (78%) and Grenache (22%) grapes sourced old vines grown in the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Old vine Barossa Grenache has a liveliness and structure that does not benefit from oak maturation and as such oak contact was minimised for the Grenache component to preserve the purity and animation of the fruit. The Shiraz was matured for 16 months in 2-3 year old oak hogshead barrels (80% French / 20% American). To the nose Wallace displays a lifted combination of bright red fruits with fresh spice notes of star anise and cedar. The palate has bright red berry fruit, redcurrant and liquorice flavours which complement the soft and rounded Grenache fruit tannin and the savoury finish of Shiraz. Lovely refreshing acidity provides both lift and depth.
