Three Rings Shiraz

Three Rings Shiraz is a 100% Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, South Australia, bottled at 14.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Named for the Hickinbotham family's three guiding tenets — historic place, exceptional fruit, and adept winemaking — this label earned a spot on VinePair's 19 Best Syrahs for 2024 with 92 points and received a 91-point Editors' Choice from Wine Enthusiast for its 2013 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.9%  |  Origin: Barossa Valley, South Australia  |  Varietal: 100% Shiraz  |  Winemaker: Chris Ringland & David Hickinbotham

Production & Heritage

Three Rings launched in 2004 as a collaboration between acclaimed winemaker Chris Ringland and grape grower David Hickinbotham, whose family has deep roots in Australian viticulture. The fruit is sourced from a single vineyard in the Kalimna sub-region of Barossa, where vines averaging 85 years old are planted in sandy loam over black clay soils — a combination that naturally restricts yields and concentrates flavor. Ringland's approach favors a medium-bodied, restrained expression of Barossa Shiraz rather than the blockbuster style the region is often associated with, allowing site character to drive the wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with lifted black pepper and violets before moving into darker territory — plum, cassis, and star anise. Subtle layers of cedar, tobacco leaf, and spicy oak char emerge with time in the glass.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is rich and lush with concentrated blackberry and dark berry fruit. The mid-palate reveals a fleshy, creamy texture with espresso, dark chocolate, and baking spice notes woven through beautifully integrated oak tannins. Despite ample weight, the wine maintains a sense of restraint and balance rather than tipping into overripe territory.

Finish: The finish is long and layered, with lingering tobacco, oak, and mint trailing behind a fine-grained tannic structure. Graham cracker and cedar notes persist well after the last sip.

How to Drink Three Rings Shiraz

This Shiraz is best served at around 16–18°C (60–64°F), ideally decanted for 30 minutes to open up the aromatics. It drinks well on its own and rewards the patience of careful sipping. For food pairing, Three Rings holds its own alongside grilled lamb shoulder seasoned with rosemary and garlic, where the wine's pepper and spice notes mirror the char of the meat. Slow-smoked beef brisket brings out the espresso and chocolate undertones. Hard aged cheeses like vintage cheddar or Manchego complement the wine's tannic backbone and cedar finish.

Best For

• Introducing someone to serious Barossa Valley Shiraz without the premium price tag
• Pairing with a weekend barbecue built around red meat and smoky flavors
• Adding old-vine depth to a cellar collection at an accessible entry point
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Australian Shiraz with genuine provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Three Rings Shiraz taste like? Three Rings Shiraz delivers concentrated dark berry, plum, and cassis alongside espresso, dark chocolate, and baking spice, framed by integrated oak and fine-grained tannins. It is medium to full-bodied with a creamy, fleshy texture and a long tobacco-and-cedar finish.

How does Three Rings Shiraz compare to Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz? Both are accessible Barossa-region Shiraz wines, but Three Rings draws from a single old-vine Kalimna vineyard (averaging 85-year-old vines), giving it greater site-specific concentration and complexity. Koonunga Hill is a multi-regional blend designed for consistency, while Three Rings tends toward more restrained tannin structure and layered spice character.

Is Three Rings Shiraz good for drinking on its own? Yes — its balance of fruit richness, integrated tannins, and moderate body make it a satisfying wine to sip without food. Decanting for 30 minutes helps the aromatics fully develop.

Where is Three Rings Shiraz made? Three Rings Shiraz is produced in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, from a single vineyard in the Kalimna sub-region. The wine is a joint venture between winemaker Chris Ringland and grower David Hickinbotham, established in 2004.

What foods pair well with Three Rings Shiraz? Grilled or smoked lamb chops work well with the wine's pepper and spice notes. Slow-cooked beef short ribs complement its dark chocolate and espresso character. Aged cheddar or Manchego match its tannic structure. Eggplant parmigiana echoes the wine's savory, spiced depth. Dark chocolate desserts with a high cocoa content mirror the finish without overwhelming it.

What sizes does Three Rings Shiraz come in? Three Rings Shiraz is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Three Rings Shiraz worth the price? Three Rings positions as a mid-range Barossa Shiraz that punches above its weight, offering old-vine fruit and single-vineyard sourcing at a price point well below most comparable Kalimna wines. Its consistent critical recognition — including 92 points from VinePair and a 91-point Editors' Choice from Wine Enthusiast — supports strong value for money in its category.

Why Three Rings Shiraz?

What separates Three Rings from the crowded field of Barossa Shiraz is the combination of 85-year-old Kalimna vines and the winemaking hand of Chris Ringland, one of Australia's most respected Shiraz producers. The single-vineyard sourcing from sandy loam over black clay gives the wine a site-specific character that multi-regional blends at the same price simply cannot replicate. Its recognition on VinePair's Best Syrahs for 2024 list and a 91-point Editors' Choice from Wine Enthusiast confirm that this is not just a well-marketed label but a genuinely accomplished wine. For anyone seeking authentic old-vine Barossa depth without spending into triple figures, Three Rings remains one of the most compelling bottles in the category.