St. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2005

James Halliday rating: 90

St HallettWinemaker Stuart Blackwell is dedicated to Barossa's core varieties and to reflecting the patchwork of soils and subsequent differentiated intricacies of flavour and structure in the finished wines. For this reason-in making Old Block Shiraz- Stuart holds approximately 60 different small parcels of Shiraz separate through picking- fermentation and barrel maturation before ultimately blending to attain the perfect flavours and structure. As 2003 Barossa Winemaker of the Year- Trophy winner of both the Barossa Show and the National Riesling Challenge for 2002 St Hallett read more...Eden Valley Riesling and a career spanning over 20 years as winemaker of St Hallett- Stuart Blackwell is critically acclaimed as an outstanding winemaker of this world-famous region. St HallettSt Hallett Old BlockAn acknowledged icon of the Barossa- St Hallett Old Block is an elegant and seamless Shiraz widely recognised as world class. Derived purely from low cropping old vines of 60 to over 100 years of age- Old Block Shiraz is by its very nature exclusive. Old Block Shiraz articulates the harmony of Barossa's two valley sub-regions. Unique sites in the warmer Barossa Valley contribute a rich foundation while the adjacent higher altitude and cooler Eden Valley confers texture- seamless mineral structure and an elegant floral vitality. Maturation involves a plethora of options from the choice of cooper- the toasting and size of the barrel to the origin of the oak - predominantly a selection of ancient French forests whose refinement suits the elegance of Old Block. Each choice is tailored to suit each individual parcel of old vine Shiraz- nurturing and layering the complexity for which Old Block is renowned. Each parcel of Shiraz destined for Old Block undergoes an intensive selection process beginning in the vineyards to regular barrel tastings throughout its 3 year maturation in order to ensure the consistency and the record of longevity of this Barossa icon. An elegant and seamless Shiraz for the ultimate occasion. Ultimate Food Match: Game - Duck and Venison ô100 Best Wines of Australia - The legendary Old Block continues to yield world class Shiraz.ö Matthew Jukes- Expert Wine 2004    (hide)

October 2008

"Smart Buy" This is a beautifully contained wine that's neither too broad nor too tight, expressive of cherry, violet and sweet spices, playing against refined tannins on the long finish. Best from 2008 through 2013. Score: 90. October 2007.

June 2009

St Hallett Faith is vibrant and expressive and above all quintessential Barossa. An accessible, benchmark Barossa Shiraz. Faith's vibrant yet dense purple hue hints at the generosity of fruit within. The wine derives exuberant raspberry, cherry and spice flavours from vineyards in the southern part of the Barossa Valley and pepper from its Eden Valley component. The wine is matured for 12-15 months in American and French oak, the former matching the juicy fruit succulence of the Barossa Valley fruit and the latter suiting the peppery Eden Valley fruit.

Wine Spectator rating: 90

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by James Halliday