Dutschke Oscar Semmler Shiraz 2018

Dutschke Wines, located in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, is known for producing bold, expressive wines that showcase the region’s iconic terroir. The Dutschke Oscar Semmler Shiraz 2018 is named in honour of the family’s grandfather, Oscar Semmler, and represents the pinnacle of their Shiraz production. Sourced from old vines in the Barossa, this wine embodies the richness and power of the region’s Shiraz while retaining elegance and balance. The 2018 vintage was marked by a warm growing season, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, resulting in a wine with great concentration and depth.

Dutschke’s minimal intervention in the winery, combined with the use of French and American oak, allows the wine to develop complex layers of flavour and structure.

Appearance: Deep garnet with a dark, almost inky core, indicating concentration and maturity.

Aroma: The nose is rich and opulent, with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry, intertwined with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and cedar from oak aging. Subtle hints of spice, such as clove and black pepper, add complexity.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and luscious, offering layers of ripe dark fruit like blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant. The oak influence provides notes of vanilla, chocolate, and spice, while fine-grained tannins give the wine structure and a velvety mouthfeel. Balanced acidity adds freshness and prevents the wine from becoming overly heavy.

Finish: The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of dark fruit, cocoa, and spice, reflecting the wine’s complexity and aging potential.

Food pairing: This Shiraz pairs beautifully with rich, savoury dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shanks or grilled ribeye steak, where the wine’s bold fruit and tannins complement the depth of the meat. It also works well with strong, aged cheeses or dishes featuring earthy flavours, such as mushroom risotto or roast vegetables.