The Standish Wine Company, nestled in South Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley, has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest Shiraz wines in the world. Founded by winemaker Dan Standish, this boutique winery is celebrated for its meticulous approach to crafting small-batch wines that truly reflect the region’s unique terroir. From bold, complex reds to more refined, elegant offerings, Standish wines are a favorite among collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
Today, Casey Cellars will explore four standout wines—The Relic Shiraz - Viognier, Schubert Theorem Shiraz, The Standish Shiraz, and Lamella Shiraz—highlighting their distinct qualities, flavor profiles, and the awards that have placed them at the pinnacle of Australian winemaking.
1. Standish The Relic Shiraz - Viognier
A blend of 99% Shiraz and 1% Viognier, The Relic is an elegant and powerful wine that showcases the rich fruit of Barossa’s Hongell Family Vineyard. This wine is known for its bold flavors of blackberries, dark plums, and exotic spices, complemented by a hint of floral freshness from the Viognier.
Production-wise, this wine benefits from whole-bunch fermentation, which enhances its aromatic complexity. The Relic has received accolades for its balance and intensity, scoring high among critics, often above 95 points, and praised for its "iron fist in a velvet glove" structure. Standish's 2021 The Relic won 98 Points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
2. Standish Schubert Theorem Shiraz
The Schubert Theorem Shiraz, sourced from the Roennfeldt Road vineyard, is a dark, brooding wine with layers of complexity. Expect notes of ripe blueberries, black cherries, and plums, mixed with licorice, cedar, and chocolate. This wine stands out for its depth and velvety tannins, giving it a long, lingering finish.
With 70% whole bunches in the fermentation process and some use of concrete eggs for maturation, the Schubert Theorem maintains vibrant acidity while delivering concentrated fruit flavors. It has consistently garnered exceptional scores, including 98-99 points from critics like Robert Parker and James Suckling.
3. Standish The Standish Shiraz
The Standish Shiraz is considered the flagship wine of the collection. Sourced from the Laycock Family Vineyard, this 100% Shiraz is known for its powerful yet savory palate, characterized by notes of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness. With robust tannins and excellent aging potential, it is a wine for collectors who appreciate structure and depth.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate consistently rates The Standish Shiraz between 98-99 points, praising its depth, complexity, and balance of dark fruit with savory notes. The 2018 vintage even won 100 Points. James Suckling has also awarded the wine high marks, highlighting its bold, layered profile and exceptional balance. Additionally, this wine is part of the prestigious Barossa Super 100 Classification, placing it among the elite wines of Australia’s Barossa Valley. These accolades affirm The Standish Shiraz as a must-have for collectors seeking a top-tier Barossa Shiraz.
4. Standish Lamella Shiraz
Lamella Shiraz, from the Hutton Vale Farm in Eden Valley, is often described as the "prettiest" of Standish’s offerings. It’s a fresh and aromatic wine, with a more delicate structure compared to its counterparts. Lamella features flavors of wild berries, floral notes, and fine tannins, making it approachable yet complex.
The wine has scored above 95 points consistently and is praised for its elegant finish and exceptional clarity.
Why Choose Standish？
Standish wines are crafted with great attention to detail. From the careful selection of vineyard sites to the use of whole-bunch fermentation and alternative maturation vessels like concrete eggs, the winery emphasizes both tradition and innovation. This meticulous approach ensures that each wine maintains a distinct personality while preserving the unique qualities of the Barossa Valley terroir.
For wine collectors and enthusiasts, Standish wines represent the pinnacle of Barossa Valley Shiraz. Their combination of power, elegance, and aging potential makes them an excellent addition to any wine collection. Moreover, the numerous awards and glowing reviews from top wine critics affirm the exceptional quality of these wines. Whether you’re looking to explore premium Shiraz or expand your cellar, Standish’s wines offer an unmatched experience.
