The Standish Wine Company: A Leader in Premium Shiraz
Echo RenThe Standish Wine Company is a boutique winery in the heart of Australia's Barossa Valley, specializing in producing premium Shiraz wines. Founded by Dan Standish, this winery has gained global recognition for its small-batch, high-quality wines that capture the essence of the region’s terroir.
Below, Let's explore four standout wines from the Standish collection with Malvern Valley Liquor - The Relic Shiraz - Viognier, Schubert Theorem Shiraz, The Standish Shiraz, and Lamella Shiraz - highlighting their unique qualities, flavor profiles, and the awards that distinguish them.
1. Standish The Relic Shiraz - Viognier
A bold blend of 99% Shiraz and 1% Viognier, The Relic delivers rich flavors of blackberry, dark plum, and exotic spices, elevated by a floral hint from the Viognier. This wine showcases the vibrant fruit from the Hongell Family Vineyard in Barossa, offering an intense yet elegant experience. Whole-bunch fermentation enhances its aromatic complexity, making it both powerful and refined.
Consistently rated above 95 points, The Relic is admired for its balance and structure, earning praise for its "iron fist in a velvet glove" quality, among which The Relic 2021 vintage won 98 Points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
2. Standish Schubert Theorem Shiraz
Sourced from the Roennfeldt Road vineyard, Schubert Theorem is a dark, brooding Shiraz with flavors of ripe blueberries, black cherries, and licorice, supported by notes of cedar and chocolate. With 70% whole bunches in fermentation and a portion aged in concrete eggs, this wine offers vibrant acidity alongside deep, concentrated fruit.
Scoring 98-99 points from critics like Robert Parker and James Suckling, it’s a top-tier offering from Standish.
3. Standish The Standish Shiraz
As the flagship of the winery, The Standish Shiraz is a powerful yet savory wine, sourced from the Laycock Family Vineyard. It features dark fruit flavors, spice, and a subtle earthiness. Known for its robust tannins and excellent aging potential, this wine is ideal for collectors.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate consistently rates The Standish Shiraz between 98-99 points, praising its depth, complexity, and balance of dark fruit with savory notes. The 2018 vintage even won 100 Points. James Suckling has also awarded the wine high marks, highlighting its bold, layered profile and exceptional balance. Additionally, this wine is part of the prestigious Barossa Super 100 Classification, placing it among the elite wines of Australia’s Barossa Valley. These accolades affirm The Standish Shiraz as a must-have for collectors seeking a top-tier Barossa Shiraz.
4. Standish Lamella Shiraz
Lamella Shiraz, from the Hutton Vale Farm in Eden Valley, is often described as the most delicate of Standish’s offerings. Its fresh, aromatic profile features wild berries and floral notes, supported by fine tannins.
The wine has scored above 95 points consistently and is praised for its elegant finish and exceptional clarity. James Suckling rated the 2020 vintage 98 points and Erin Larkin rated it 97+ Points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
Standish wines are known for their meticulous production process. From careful vineyard selection to whole-bunch fermentation and the use of alternative vessels like concrete eggs, the winery combines innovation with tradition. This approach allows each wine to express the distinct character of the Barossa Valley while maintaining a level of precision and craftsmanship that sets them apart.
For wine collectors and enthusiasts, Standish wines represent the pinnacle of Barossa Valley Shiraz. Their combination of power, elegance, and aging potential makes them an excellent addition to any wine collection. Moreover, the numerous awards and glowing reviews from top wine critics affirm the exceptional quality of these wines. Whether you’re looking to explore premium Shiraz or expand your cellar, Standish’s wines offer an unmatched experience.
