Balthazar was the last of the Babylonian kings whose empire ended after he drank from a mythical sacred chalice. A fascination with ancient history and an appreciation of the deep sense of irony that befalls those who choose their drinks - and drinking vessels - unwisely, prompted our name.

The Balthazar Vineyard is located near the town of Marananga in Australia's most famous wine region, the Barossa. Our neighbours are Penfolds, Torbreck and Peter Lehmann who all chose these western Barossa slopes for their shallow soils, moderate rainfall and low yields - perfect conditions for growing premium Shiraz grapes. We have three vineyard Shiraz blocks, differentiated by soil type, depth and fertility. The House Block is south-facing on shallow red earth over iron stone and its yields are low - around five to six tonnes/hectare. The north facing Hill Block on red earth over calcareous white clay has yields of six to eight tonnes/hectare. The Dam Block on the flats is planted on deep alluvial red earths and yields between eight and ten tonnes/hectare. The three bocks provide flexibility at harvest and the opportunity to ferment and mature the different fruit parcels separately in Francois Frere French oak hogsheads for up to 24 months. Balthazar Shiraz is carefully selected from the three blocks to achieve a balance of voluptuous, concentrated fruit and fine, silky tannins. Balthazar is an exclusive premium producer of just 12,000 bottles per year.

2008 Shiraz

This brooding Barossa Shiraz comes from one of the best vintages in the 2000s. A dry growing season and a warm vintage contributed to richness, complexity and concentration. The tannin structure suggests at least 20 years in the cellar.

$300

1878 in stock

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Reviews

The 2008 vintage growing season was defined by below average rainfall. Organic mulch applications and soil moisture monitoring assisted strong vine canopy growth on the Balthazar vineyard so that the Shiraz crop was only 10% below average yield. Harvest was three weeks early, with the House Block parcel picked February 20 and the Hill Block component harvested February 28, luckily, just before a sustained two week heatwave in early March.

The 2 parcels of House & Hill block shiraz grapes were vinified separately in small, open-top fermenters for 7 days, being pumped over twice daily.

Racked into premium 33% new and 66% seasoned French oak barrels, the 2 components were matured for 23 months before blending and bottling in December 2009 to ensure bottle maturation before retail release.

Closure: Screwcap

Colour: Deep purple-crimson
Nose: Concentrated blackberry and plum with chocolate/ mocha nuance
Palate: Generous red berry fruit flavours and spice emerging through the rich and complex palate with firm tannins supporting the lingering flavours.
Vital Statistics: ALC 14.9% | pH: 3.52 | Ta: 7.67 | RS: 3.3 g/L
Cellar: 2030

“Dense purple-crimson; harvested late February (well prior to the heat) and matured for 23 months in predominantly French oak; very luscious and rich, awash with blackberry and prune fruit;......” James Halliday Australian Wine Companion. Reviewed 11/08/2011

Degustation feasts, eucharistic tastings, mythical press reviews, wine show trophies, medals and other gongs, terrestrial vintage reports and biblical Barossa trivia…

August 12, 2013

Welcome to the new Balthazar Barossa website. Dedicated to my father, Johann Schwarzl (1925-2001) who was born on this day in Graz, Austria.

July 28, 2013

Balthazar 2009 Shiraz scores 5 stars/95 points in the 2014 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion. At least Balthazar is consistent with James giving the last 5 vintages 95, 95,94,93,95. www.winecompanion.com.au

Barossa Photo Company 2002 Bottle Shots 004

July 24, 2013

The Kingsford Homestead Balthazar Winemakers Dinner on 8th August featuring the rare opportunity to try the first 10 vintages of Balthazar Barossa Shiraz is SOLD OUT! www.kingsfordhomestead.com.au

Balthazar was the last of the Babylonian kings whose empire ended after he drank from a mythical sacred chalice. A fascination with ancient history and an appreciation of the deep sense of irony that befalls those who choose their drinks - and drinking vessels - unwisely, prompted our name.

2008 Shiraz

2008 Shiraz

2007 Shiraz

2006 Shiraz

2005 Shiraz

2004 Shiraz

2003 Shiraz

2002 Shiraz

2001 Shiraz

Degustation feasts, eucharistic tastings, mythical press reviews, wine show trophies, medals and other gongs, terrestrial vintage reports and biblical Barossa trivia…