{"title":"St Hallett","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"st-hallett-old-block-shiraz-750ml-2003","title":"St Hallett Old Block Shiraz   - 2003","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSt Hallett Old Block Shiraz 2003\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml bottle of premium old-vine Barossa Shiraz sourced from vineyards averaging 88 years of age at the time of harvest. The 2003 vintage received 92 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e and 91 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, cementing its reputation as one of Australia's benchmark expressions of aged-vine Shiraz.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Region: Barossa \u0026amp; Eden Valleys, South Australia  |  Vintage: 2003  |  Varietal: 100% Shiraz  |  Winery: St Hallett  |  Oak: French hogsheads \u0026amp; puncheons (25% new), 12–18 months\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSt Hallett's Old Block program was first created in 1980 by Barossa icon Robert O'Callaghan, using fruit from a single vineyard planted in 1912. To qualify for the Old Block label, vineyards must be planted on their own rootstock and be more than 50 years old—a standard that yields intensely concentrated, low-yield fruit reflective of ancient Barossa terroir. Each parcel in the 2003 vintage was harvested and fermented separately based on individual character, then pressed off skins and transferred directly to French oak hogsheads and puncheons—25 percent new—for 12 to 18 months of maturation before blending.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark berry fruit and hedgerow compote lead the nose, supported by subtle vanilla oak and restrained black pepper spice. With time in the glass, earthy, savory undertones emerge alongside leafy herbal nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate enters with firm, structured tannins framing bitter cherry and dark plum fruit. At the mid-palate, spice and subtle sage-like herbal notes develop, layered with a gentle French oak sweetness. Two decades of bottle age have softened the primary fruit into a more complex, secondary-character profile with dried herb and leather tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and textured, with lingering bitter cherry, fine-grained tannin, and a savory, slightly earthy resolve. The oak integration is seamless, allowing fruit and terroir to dominate the aftertaste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Old Block 2003\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt over twenty years of age, the 2003 Old Block is best served at 16–18°C in a large-bowled glass to allow its evolved aromatics to fully express themselves. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes is recommended to let the wine open gracefully. This is a wine for contemplative drinking rather than cocktail use—pour it neat alongside a special meal to appreciate the depth that old vines and extended bottle age deliver.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine collector who values aged Australian Shiraz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommemorating milestones from 2003—birthdays, anniversaries, or retirement celebrations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a slow-braised or smoked red-meat dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a library-aged Barossa benchmark to a cellar collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Old Block 2003 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e With over two decades of bottle age, the 2003 vintage presents evolved dark cherry and plum fruit, firm tannins, savory herbal notes, and subtle French oak spice. It is a structured, full-bodied Barossa Shiraz that has transitioned from primary fruit into complex secondary character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Old Block compare to Penfolds Grange?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are iconic Barossa Shiraz wines sourced from old vines, but Grange is a multi-regional, predominantly new-oak-aged blend positioned at the ultra-premium tier, while Old Block uses only 25 percent new French oak and focuses specifically on own-rootstock vineyards over 50 years old. Old Block occupies a more accessible price tier while still delivering serious concentration and ageability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Old Block 2003 good for cellaring or should it be opened now?\u003c\/strong\u003e At over twenty years old, the 2003 vintage is in a mature drinking window and can be enjoyed now with decanting. Well-stored bottles may continue to hold, but the wine is not expected to improve significantly with further aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Old Block made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Old Block Shiraz is produced by St Hallett winery in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, using fruit sourced from heritage vineyards across both the Barossa and Eden Valleys.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Old Block 2003?\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow-braised lamb shoulder complements the wine's savory depth; chargrilled aged beef rib-eye mirrors its structure and intensity; kangaroo loin with native pepper plays off its spice notes; hard aged cheeses like vintage cheddar echo its umami character; and dark chocolate with dried cherry accents harmonize with its fruit profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Old Block come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release of St Hallett Old Block Shiraz is the 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Old Block 2003 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Old Block positions as a premium, collector-tier Barossa Shiraz—well above everyday drinking wines but considerably more accessible than ultra-premium icons like Penfolds Grange. The 2003 vintage's strong critical recognition (92 points \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e, 91 points \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e) and its provenance from vines averaging 88 years old support its standing as a serious value proposition in the aged Australian Shiraz category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Old Block 2003?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining distinction of Old Block Shiraz is its strict vineyard qualification: only own-rootstock vines exceeding 50 years of age contribute fruit. In the 2003 vintage, those vines averaged 88 years old, producing the kind of low-yield, deeply concentrated fruit that simply cannot be replicated by younger plantings. Recognized with 92 points by \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e, this vintage demonstrated the quality that has sustained the Old Block program across more than 30 vintages since Robert O'Callaghan's inaugural 1980 release. For collectors and enthusiasts of aged Barossa Shiraz, the 2003 represents a rare opportunity to experience a mature library wine from one of the region's most historically significant old-vine programs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"St Hallett","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836737155241,"sku":"16538","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/st_hallett_old_block_shiraz__35957.jpg?v=1730468372"},{"product_id":"st-hallett-faith-shiraz-750ml","title":"St Hallett Faith Shiraz","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSt Hallett Faith Shiraz\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Barossa Valley Shiraz (750ml, 14.5% ABV) blending depth and drinkability from one of South Australia's most respected wine regions. The 2023 vintage earned a Silver Medal at the 2024 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, while Wine Pilot awarded the 2024 vintage 93 points — consistent recognition that underscores this wine's reliable quality across releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Barossa Valley, South Australia  |  Varietal: Shiraz (98%) with Durif (2%)  |  Producer: St Hallett Wines\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSt Hallett has been a cornerstone of the Barossa Valley wine community, earning a reputation for Shiraz that captures the region's generous warmth without losing finesse. The Faith Shiraz is built from over 200 individually selected and separately vinified parcels of Shiraz each vintage — a meticulous approach that allows the winemaking team to tailor fermentation and maturation for each parcel before final blending. Fermentation runs between six and eight days at a controlled 22–24°C to preserve bright fruit character, after which the wine matures for nine months in a combination of American and French oak barrels. The result is a wine that balances the richness Barossa is known for with a lively, approachable structure, with the small addition of Durif contributing extra color and tannic backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark plum and blackberry lead the nose, followed by layers of mocha, charry oak, and brown baking spice. A subtle earthy undertone and hints of coal add complexity beneath the fruit-driven top notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with bitter dark chocolate and mocha before giving way to a core of black cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry. Mid-palate, cracked black pepper and cedar weave through the fruit, while the combination of American and French oak contributes vanilla and toast. The texture is richly weighted with velvety tannins balanced by crisp acidity that keeps the wine from feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to long, with lingering plum, earthy spice, and a thread of rustic tannin that dries cleanly. Dark chocolate and pepper notes persist as the fruit gradually fades.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Faith Shiraz\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Shiraz is built for immediate enjoyment. Serve at around 16–18°C — slightly below full room temperature — to keep the fruit vibrant and the tannins soft. It drinks well on its own or alongside food, and its generous fruit and structured tannins make it a strong foundation for red wine cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well with the Faith's dark fruit and spice profile. A \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the wine's natural plum and berry intensity, holding up against citrus and brandy additions. For something simpler, a \u003cstrong\u003eWine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and a twist of orange showcases the bright cherry and spice notes in a lighter format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want a full-flavored red without opening a special bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Barossa Valley Shiraz for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBBQ gatherings with grilled lamb or beef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasual gifting for red wine lovers who appreciate Australian Shiraz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Faith Shiraz taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Faith Shiraz delivers rich dark berry fruit — blackberry, plum, and dark cherry — layered with mocha, dark chocolate, black pepper, and toasty cedar. It is full-bodied with velvety tannins and enough acidity to keep it lively and balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Faith Shiraz compare to Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are accessible, fruit-forward Barossa-region Shiraz wines at a similar price tier, but Faith Shiraz tends to show more complexity from its multi-parcel blending approach and nine months in oak. Wolf Blass Yellow Label is typically lighter in body and leans more toward bright red fruit, while Faith delivers a darker, more textured profile with notable mocha and spice depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Faith Shiraz good for drinking on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — Wine Enthusiast has described it as \"a terrific example of drink-now pleasure from the Barossa,\" and its combination of ripe fruit, balanced tannins, and moderate acidity makes it an easy and satisfying pour without food.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Faith Shiraz made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Faith Shiraz is produced by St Hallett Wines in the Barossa Valley, South Australia — one of Australia's most acclaimed Shiraz-producing regions, known for its warm climate, ancient soils, and some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Faith Shiraz?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops work beautifully, as the wine's pepper and dark fruit echo the char and richness of the meat. Slow-cooked beef brisket matches the wine's full body and smoky oak notes. Aged cheddar or Manchego bring out the mocha and spice layers. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy undertones, while dark chocolate desserts complement the wine's cocoa-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Faith Shiraz come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Faith Shiraz is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Faith Shiraz worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Faith Shiraz positions as an entry-level to mid-range Barossa Valley Shiraz, and its multi-parcel blending, nine months of oak maturation, and consistent award recognition — including a Silver Medal at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show — deliver quality that competes well above its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Faith Shiraz?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Faith Shiraz from the crowded field of Australian Shiraz is the sheer granularity of its blending process: over 200 individual vineyard parcels are vinified and matured separately before the final wine is assembled. That level of attention at this price point is uncommon and results in a wine that punches above its weight in complexity. The 2017 vintage earned a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and consistent Silver Medal and 90+ point scores across recent vintages confirm this is not a one-off success. For anyone looking for a Barossa Shiraz that delivers genuine regional character — dark fruit, spice, and oak-driven richness — without demanding a special-occasion budget, Faith is a reliable and rewarding choice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"St Hallett","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836737188009,"sku":"16264","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/st_hallett_faith_shiraz__11276.jpg?v=1730468376"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/st-hallett.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}