Glaetzer, 'Bishop' 2021
Product Information
Country Australia
Region Barossa
Grape Variety Shiraz
Vintage 2021
ABV 14.5%
Experience the monumental depth of the Barossa Valley with the exceptional 2021 vintage of Glaetzer 'Bishop' Shiraz.
Crafted by the legendary, award-winning winemaker Ben Glaetzer, this iconic release stands out as an absolute powerhouse for connoisseurs hunting for an exceptional red wine under £30. Sourced from rare, ancient vines in the prized Ebenezer sub-region, the 2021 Bishop beautifully showcases the rich heritage, intense phenolic concentration, and smooth structural elegance that defines world-class Australian Shiraz.
Elite Pedigree & Old-Vine Heritage
The 2021 growing season in the northern Barossa Valley benefited from generous spring rainfall and cooler summer temperatures, creating ideal conditions for low-yielding fruit. This spectacular vintage is defined by its remarkable old-vine depth:
• Ancient Vine Fruit: Handpicked from dry-grown, non-grafted vines aged between 35 and 120 years old.
• Micro-Yields: Harvested at an ultra-concentrated 3 tonnes per hectare for maximum flavour purity.
• Boutique Craftsmanship: Masterfully blended by Ben Glaetzer, the visionary behind the iconic Amon-Ra.
Why We Love It
While entry-level Barossa Shiraz can lean heavily on over-extraction and jammy fruit, Glaetzer Bishop 2021 achieves an impeccable masterclass in structural balance. Fermented in small open fermenters with extended maceration to soften the tannins, the wine was matured for 16 months in a meticulous barrel profile of 40% new French and American oak and 60% seasoned hogsheads.
It pours a striking, vibrant dark red with deep purple hues. The bouquet opens with an alluring, complex nose of ripe black cherry, dried festive spices, and subtle undertones of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied, intensely concentrated, and velvety smooth. It reveals layers of rich blackberry, dark plum, and raspberry, seamlessly balanced by nuances of black olive, cracked black pepper, and fine, powdery tannins. A brilliantly persistent finish delivers the timeless, savoury grip of Ebenezer terroir.
Perfect Food Pairings
The powerful body, rich oak integration, and smooth texture of this old-vine Shiraz demand robust, savoury dishes that can match its intense profile:
• From the Flame: Thick-cut ribeye steaks, flame-grilled lamb chops, or premium venison burgers.
• Slow-Cooked Comforts: Slow-braised beef short ribs or hearty oxtail stews.
• Gourmet Pasta: Rich wild boar ragù or slow-cooked beef cheek pappardelle.
• Cheese Board: Strongly flavoured, hard aged cheeses like mature Cheddar, Gouda, or Pecorino.
Serving & Cellaring Tips
To allow the dense layers of old-vine fruit, warm barrel spice, and fine tannins to completely open up, we highly recommend decanting this bottle for 60 minutes before pouring. Serve slightly cool at 16–18°C in large, round Syrah/Shiraz glassware.
While its exceptional fruit purity and velvety tannins make it incredibly approachable and seductive today, its powerful concentration guarantees excellent cellaring potential. It will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 8 to 12+ years.
