Winemaker Notes
Glaetzer Wallace is a wine greater than the sum of its parts - a fusion of Shiraz and Grenache, which is a traditional blend in the Barossa Valley. Ripe, peppery old-vine Shiraz dominates and adds weight, texture and fleshy richness to the palate. The Grenache adds sweet cherry, toffee and earthy characters. Parcels of premium fruit are picked at full ripeness for vibrant color, with an abundance of juicy, berry flavours and spice. The wine shows the elegance and finesse which underpins the Glaetzer style. Our Grenache clone is light in color, almost Rose like, yet provides a huge level of tannin extraction and therefore lends itself to blend with Shiraz. The Grenache provides mid-palate richness and a strawberry/cherry like characteristic on the palate and the Shiraz provides tightness and focus. In 2007 Grenache proved to be a stand-out consistent variety and has allowed us to maintain the continuity of the Wallace style.
"The 2007 Wallace is a blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache aged for 12 months in seasoned French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it reveals a fragrant bouquet of cedar, scorched earth, pencil lead, black cherry, and blueberry. On the palate it has an elegant personality with racy, slightly tart, fruit flavors, good concentration, and a silky finish. Drink this excellent value through 2017." 90 Points
Wine Advocate
February 2009
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2007 Wallace is a blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache aged for 12 months in seasoned French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it reveals a fragrant bouquet of cedar, scorched earth, pencil lead, black cherry, and blueberry. On the palate it has an elegant personality with racy, slightly tart, fruit flavors, good concentration, and a silky finish. Drink this excellent value through 2017.
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Wine Spectator
Bright and lively, with a fresh feel to the red cherry, raspberry and spice aromas and flavors, lingering expressively against refined tannins. Drink now through 2012.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.