March 14, 2024
A deep dive in the four personalities of the Standish Wines
The Standish Wine Company, under the guidance of Dan Standish, has earned a reputation for crafting some of the most exceptional and characterful wines in the Barossa Valley. With a focus on single-vineyard expressions, Standish wines capture the essence of their unique terroirs, showcasing a range of flavours and structures that speak to the diversity of the region. In this article, we will explore the personalities of the four standout wines from Standish Wine Company: The Relic, The Standish, Lamella, and The Schubert Theorem, delving into their terroir and tasting profiles.
The four wines from Standish Wine Company—The Standish, The Relic, Lamella, and The Schubert Theorem—each offer a unique expression of their respective terroirs, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the Barossa Valley. From the pure, powerful Shiraz of The Standish to the aromatic and exotic blend of The Relic, the refined elegance of Lamella, and the bold structure of The Schubert Theorem, these wines reflect the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative spirit of Dan Standish. Exploring the personalities of these exceptional wines deepens the appreciation for the artistry and terroir of the Barossa Valley, highlighting why Standish wines are celebrated by wine enthusiasts and critics alike.
The Standish: Pure Expression of Shiraz
Terroir
The Standish Shiraz is sourced from a single vineyard in the Eden Valley, a subregion of the Barossa Valley known for its cooler climate and higher elevations. The vineyard's rocky, well-drained soils and significant diurnal temperature variation create ideal conditions for producing Shiraz with intense concentration and balanced acidity. This unique terroir contributes to the distinctive personality of The Standish, making it a wine of remarkable depth and complexity.
Tasting Profile
The Standish Shiraz is a wine of notable depth and complexity. On the nose, it reveals an enticing bouquet of dark berries, plum, and black cherry, complemented by hints of violets, liquorice, and graphite. The palate is full-bodied and opulent, with rich flavours of blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and balance, leading to a long, elegant finish with subtle notes of spice and minerality. This Shiraz embodies the pure expression of its terroir, offering a harmonious blend of power and finesse that speaks to the unique characteristics of the Eden Valley.
The Relic: A Unique Syrah and Viognier Blend
Terroir
The Relic is a unique blend of Syrah and Viognier, sourced from a single vineyard in the Barossa Valley. The vineyard's red clay loam soils over limestone contribute to the wine's rich texture and vibrant fruit profile. The inclusion of Viognier, co-fermented with Syrah, adds aromatic complexity and enhances the wine's structure, showcasing the innovative approach of Standish Wine Company.
Tasting Profile
The Relic is known for its aromatic intensity and exotic character. The nose bursts with floral aromas of jasmine and violet, intertwined with ripe red fruit, apricot, and spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with a luscious texture and flavours of raspberry, plum, and black pepper. The Viognier adds a lift of stone fruit and a touch of creaminess, while the Syrah provides depth and structure. The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of spice, florals, and a hint of minerality. The Relic showcases the innovative approach of co-fermentation, resulting in a wine of both elegance and power, perfectly reflecting the diverse terroir of the Barossa Valley.
Lamella: Elegant and Refined Shiraz
Terroir
Lamella is sourced from a single vineyard in the Eden Valley, characterised by its high altitude, cool climate, and ancient, weathered soils. These conditions are ideal for producing Shiraz with refined structure and vibrant acidity, allowing the wine to develop great complexity and ageing potential. This terroir imparts a distinct elegance and finesse to Lamella, setting it apart from other Shiraz wines.
Tasting Profile
Lamella is an elegant and refined expression of Shiraz. The nose offers delicate aromas of red currant, cranberry, and raspberry, accented by floral notes of rose petal and hints of white pepper. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with a silky texture and flavours of red fruit, cherry, and pomegranate. The wine's bright acidity and fine tannins create a harmonious balance, leading to a long, graceful finish with subtle notes of spice and earth. Lamella is a testament to the finesse and elegance that can be achieved in the cooler climate of the Eden Valley, showcasing the unique personality of its terroir.
The Schubert Theorem: Powerful and Structured Shiraz
Terroir
The Schubert Theorem is sourced from a vineyard in the northern Barossa Valley, known for its warm climate and deep, rich soils. These conditions produce Shiraz with powerful fruit concentration and robust tannin structure, ideal for crafting a wine with significant depth and complexity. This terroir imparts strength and intensity to The Schubert Theorem, making it a wine of great presence and character.
Tasting Profile
The Schubert Theorem is a bold and structured Shiraz, offering a rich and intense tasting experience. The nose is dominated by dark fruit aromas of blackberry, black plum, and cassis, complemented by notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and smoked meat. On the palate, it is full-bodied and powerful, with concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, blueberry, and black pepper. The wine's firm tannins and balanced acidity provide a solid framework, leading to a long, persistent finish with layers of spice, cedar, and earth. The Schubert Theorem exemplifies the strength and intensity of Shiraz from the northern Barossa Valley, reflecting the robust nature of its terroir.