I keep telling the story of the role of wine merchants using Oakley Adams as they did the hard yards. The business was Melbourne based and began in 1871 as importers of wines and spirits. Later they promoted local wines which were bottled as Oakley Adams selections. Selling wine was hard work and did not become part of our social life until the post-war years.
It is easy now to forget how difficult it was to convince Australians to drink table wine, particularly red wine, as part of everyday life. The merchants carried much of this burden, introducing customers to districts, varieties and styles long before wine appreciation became fashionable. In many respects they helped build the confidence that now surrounds regions like the Barossa Valley.
With Shiraz, the Barossa has become the great Australian expression of full flavour. The warmth of the valley, the way the heat is held across the ripening season and the long history of the variety in the district combine to create wines of depth and generosity. Vintage 2022 continues this tradition, delivering the ripe, rich style that defines Barossa Shiraz and explains why it remains the benchmark for drinkers who enjoy a full-bodied red.
