2024 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz

COLOUR | A deep strong black with purple hue in colour.

AROMA | The aromatics are intense aromatics of blackberry, mulberry, and ripe plum, layered with dark chocolate and a lift of cedar and spice. Hints of cola and a whisper of mint add depth and freshness.

PALATE | The palate opens with a generous wave of dark fruit, plush yet vibrant, reflecting the low yields and early ripening of the season. Rich blackberries and boysenberry compote drive through, supported by savoury undertones of cracked pepper and charcuterie. Tannins are supple, and woven seamlessly into the fruit core, lending shape and energy without overwhelming. The finish is long, pure, and persistent, carrying notes of dark fruits and spice well beyond the last sip. Enjoy now for its generosity and drive, or cellar for 8+ years to see the layers deepen and the tannins soften further.

The 2024 vintage in the Barossa stood in stark contrast to the cool 2023 season. A dry winter, budburst began around three weeks earlier than the year before, spurred on by warmer days and lower overnight temperatures. The small berried fruit developed with concentration and vibrancy. December and January brought timely rainfalls, giving the vines a boost before a hot, dry February accelerated ripening. Harvest began early, with Shiraz showing deep colour, purity of fruit, and fine natural balance. Overall, 2024 produced outstanding quality a vintage defined by intensity, freshness, and energy.

WINEMAKING | The parcels of fruit were crushed into and fermented in 3, 5, 7 and 10 tonne open top vessels. Regular pump overs three times daily were performed during the peak of fermentation. At pressing, the free run and pressings were combined to tank, then racked to barrel for oak maturation.

MATURATION | The wine was matured for 12 months in French oak, 13% new, and the remainder in one to six year old puncheons and hogsheads. All batches were kept separate and blended just prior to bottling.

CLOSURE | Screwcap
VOLUME | 750ml, 35ml & 1500ml
VARIETAL | Shiraz
REGION | Barossa
ALCOHOL (% vol.) | 14.2%

Wine Companion
92 Points
Dave Brookes
Published 03 February 2026

"Always solid value is this wine. Magenta-splashed crimson with juicy plum, blueberry, dark cherry and boysenberry fruits along with hints of Christmas cake, olive tapenade, brown spice, dark chocolate, pan juices, panforte, violets and earth. It's at the lighter end of full bodied with a bright driveline, fine, sandy tannins and a light savoury lean to its travel on the back end."