Turkey Flat Butchers Block Red 2021

It’s no secret that Turkey Flat tend some of the oldest vines in the world… Shiraz planted in 1847. When these were being planted, convicts were still being transported to Australia, the Eureka rebellion was still 7 years off and the first World War a staggering 67 years away. That’s some seriously old vines! It’s just possible that your great, great, great, great, great, great grandies might have had a cheeky mug or two off them. It’s pretty sad that these vines could well have been grubbed out in the 70’s when fruit was being sold below the cost of production, shiraz grapes were being used in muffin production or being carbon fined to remove the red colouring and pressed into white wine production. Enter the State Government vine pull scheme which offered to pay growers to remove vineyards. Current owner Christie Schulz stepped into the fray at this point, taking a significant financial risk to purchase the vineyard and land (from another Schulz) and released their first Shiraz under the Turkey Flat label in 1990. 20 odd vintages on and Turkey Flat’s Shiraz has a brilliant reputation for exceptional quality and age ability and consistently garners big scores and accolades. The last half dozen vintages have averaged 96 points from James Halliday. Turkey Flat is also widely regarded as producing one of the best and most consistent blends of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro and one of Australia’s best and most consistent Rosés.