Hobbs 1905 Shiraz 2021 from the Eden Valley side of the Barossa Ranges is a monumental old‑vine Shiraz off dry‑grown vines planted in 1905, delivering huge concentration wrapped in surprising elegance. This Hobbs 1905 Shiraz 2021 is very much a “special occasion” Barossa, built for the long haul.

Expect a deep, vibrant purple‑red colour and an opulent nose of ripe raspberries, macerated plum, blackberry and black cherry, layered with warm cedar, vanilla, dark chocolate, coffee bean, aniseed, leather, tobacco leaf, dried orange peel and cracked black pepper. The palate is full‑bodied, glossy and silky, packed with blackberries, blueberry, fruit‑cake spice, cocoa and earth, framed by sweet but balanced French oak and masses of fine, granitic tannin that drive an exceptionally long, velvety finish. Despite its power and 15‑plus percent alcohol, everything sits in harmony, and top critics are talking about 10–20 years of cellaring potential.

On the table, Hobbs 1905 Shiraz 2021 is best with richly flavoured dishes – think slow‑braised beef cheeks, wagyu rib‑eye, lamb shanks, venison, ossobuco, or deeply sauced BBQ and smoked meats, plus aged cheddar or Gouda. It’s a wine to decant for a good couple of hours and savour over an evening, and it has the pedigree (Barossa Super 100 Classification and multiple 95–97‑point reviews) to sit proudly alongside top Australian icons and serious modern Barossa reds.