Jack Harrison Shiraz

Estate Single Vineyard

Region: Eden Valley, Barossa, SA

Winemaker: Joanne Irvine

Cellaring/Ageing potential: Early estimates suggest this wine will still reward up until 2033 but with gentle decanting, it is also beautifully approachable right now.

Ideal serving temperature: 17 – 19ºc and decanting or aerating prior to serving will allow this Eden Valley fruit to really open up and sing.

The colour of the 2018 Jack Harrison is the first indication of something special… inky black depths with bright purple edges. The nose is a concentrated combination of darker cherry fruit, French oak spice and the characteristic cassis/star anise top notes. The palate is a massive mouthful of chewy black juicy fruit, wrapped around a weighty oak core, with an extended length that promises to develop into something of significant power and elegance. Impressive! ~Jane Ferrari~

Early estimates suggest this wine will still reward up until 2033 but with gentle decanting, it is beautifully approachable right now.

2018 VINTAGE INFORMATION

The growing season in Eden Valley started off well, with winter 2017 rainfall up slightly higher than average. In spring, drier soils, combined with warmer than average spring days meant the vine canopies grew quickly; flowering well and setting a good number of bunches. Summer rainfall for us was down on average. January and February were warm and dry, with very warm temperatures in February slowing down the pace of ripening. With the lower summer rainfall, growers with access to water, soil moisture monitoring, good irrigation management and healthy soils experienced less stress – and subsequently delivered sound fruit and consistent yields. These are all practices that Brockenchack invest heavily into. The Indian summer of March and early April was what some people called ‘the icing on the cake’, with average temperatures, without extremes. Overall a strong, healthy crop for us.

We are delighted with the high-quality grapes and great yields that this vintage delivered. The colours and flavours in our reds are exciting and the high level of natural acids in our whites reflect our great Eden Valley characteristics. Standout varieties for our region this year include Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet. We are very excited for the release of our reds.

ACCOLADES

Gold Medal | 2023 New Zealand International Wine Competition

Gold Medal | 2023 London Wine Competition | “Dry to off dry, full-bodied, on nose it’s very elegant with the correct amount of spices, the dark fruit and vanilla are beautifully integrated, on the palate is warm and silky. Fantastic wine which needs decanting.”

95 Points | Wine Orbit – Sam Kim | “Richly fruited and seductively fragrant, the bouquet shows blackberry, cake spice, cedar and dark chocolate characters. It’s equally satisfying in the mouth, delivering outstanding weight and richly textured mouthfeel, superbly complemented by refreshing acidity and layers of fine tannins. Sumptuous yet refined and sophisticated. At its best: now to 2033.”

95 Points | Wine Pilot – Ken Gargett | “Dark maroon in colour, there is real depth of flavour here. Dark berries, animal skins, warm earth, hints of chocolate, black fruits and a smoky roast meat note. Black olives and cloves follow. Firm tannins are present, good balance and excellent length. This is cracking stuff and has at least a decade ahead of it. That said, no reason you can’t enjoy it now.”

95 Points | Wine Pilot – Angus Hughson | “I like the Brockenchack wines – honest and well made with plenty of personality and flavour, but I really loved this wine. It’s their best yet from where I sit! Bright deep crimson, it is a beautifully brooding and tightly knit Eden Valley Shiraz with a powerful aromatic core of blackberry, new leather and black olive fruits with peppery sage elements and well matched oak. Dry, fleshy and concentrated on the palate, there is an explosion of punchy fruit pastilles and liquorice while retaining its energy and freshness with moderate, fine tannins well integrated to provide a long, yet subtle finish. Superb Eden Valley Shiraz and great value.

Silver Medal | 2022 International Wine Competition |  “Lovely notes of plums and herbaceous notes. Sage with silky tannins and good structure compliments the wine.”

Silver Medal | 2022 London Wine Competition | Full-bodied, dense character with integrated tannins and aromas of ripe blackberries, vanilla, chocolate and overripe prunes. Rich, warming palate with notes of blackberries, raisins, oak and vanilla with a juicy finish.”

Silver Medal | 2021 San Francisco International Wine Competition

92 Points | James Suckling | “Aromas of baked cherry, plum, melted milk chocolate and coriander. Full-bodied with soft tannins. Rich and smooth on the palate. Steady intensity, with opulent black fruit washing over the palate.” ~Nov 2022

92 Points | Vinous – Angus Hughson | “This 2018 Jack Harrison from Eden Valley delivers a classically reserved Shiraz. Elegant, subtle aromas of black pepper, dried sage and roasted meats sit over a just-ripe blackberry bed, well integrated with slightly sweet oak. Chalky tannins plus a lingering finish provide a solid conclusion and will support improvement over the medium term. Drinking window 2023-2035. ~Jun 2023~

“Dark cherry / purple almost black in colour, lighter at the rim, a full-bodied wine. In the nose dark cherry, plums, baking spices, vanilla a subtle earthy / meaty note. Huge, weighty mouth-filling palate with concentrated flavours of ripe cherry, plum, blackberries & pepper / spice, chalky tannins, a soft acidity & fine textured oak influence. A good whack of alcohol at 15% all melded together into a multi layered, textural wine with power, depth & length. Outstanding! My thanks to the team at Brockenchack for the opportunity to taste these exceptional wines of Australia.” ~JB, NZ Wine Directory~

“Richly fruited and seductively fragrant, the bouquet shows blackberry, cake spice, cedar and dark chocolate characters. It’s equally satisfying in the mouth, delivering outstanding weight and richly textured mouthfeel, superbly complemented by refreshing acidity and layers of fine tannins. Sumptuous yet refined and sophisticated. At its best: now to 2033.”  ~Sam Kim, WineOrbit~

“5 stars. Made from 54yo grapevines by the ultra-talented Joanne Irvine, Brockenchack’s flagship shiraz is named after the grandson of founders Trevor and Marilyn Harch. Jack is the company viticulturist and is training to become their future winemaker. So no pressure then! Put all your thoughts of shiraz being jammy, sweet and cuddly aside because the Jack Harrison is an exercise in muscular elegance. With skyscraper structure, a core of dark blue and black fruits, charred oak, cocoa and dried herbs, this shiraz is iron fist in velvet glove material. If you drink it now, make sure you get out the good, swirlable glasses and decant if you can. Otherwise, tuck it away until 2033 if you’re disciplined enough.” ~Yvonne Lorkin, By The Glass~

“Jack Harrison Shiraz 2018is their top wine on the NZ distribution list. A brooding darkest purple in the glass. Blueberry, damson plum, mocha, green peppercorn, boysenberry and redcurrant on the nose. A balanced dexterity to the palate with supple tannin in harmony with the lush fruit and integrated acidity. Star anise, tapenade, pepper, sage and liquorice – it’s all there. Plenty of oak toast present, although this sits behind the rest, as a spine and core to the central flavours, still with a tightness that’s unfolding and developing. This was accompanied by the top Whitestone cheese – an Oamaru Blue – a fitting match. A bold, harmonious finish. 92pts” ~David Walker-Bell, Winefolio~

“The colour of the 2018 Jack Harrison is the first indication of something special… inky black depths with bright purple edges. The nose is a concentrated combination of darker cherry fruit, French oak spice and the characteristic cassis/star anise top notes. The palate is a massive mouthful of chewy black juicy fruit, wrapped around a weighty oak core, with an extended length that promises to develop into something of significant power and elegance. Impressive!” ~Jane Ferrari~

“Another tribute to another member of the family, this time, Jack, the grandson already in training to take over down the track, as both winemaker and viticulturist. This is a single vineyard Shiraz from the Eden Valley, from vines more than fifty years of age. Dark maroon in colour, there is real depth of flavour here. Dark berries, animal skins, warm earth, hints of chocolate, black fruits and a smoky roast meat note. Black olives and cloves follow. Firm tannins are present, good balance and excellent length. This is cracking stuff and has at least a decade ahead of it. That said, no reason you can’t enjoy it now.” ~Ken Gargett, Winepilot~

“I like the Brockenchack wines – honest and well made with plenty of personality and flavour, but I really loved this wine. It’s their best yet from where I sit! Bright deep crimson, it is a beautifully brooding and tightly knit Eden Valley Shiraz with a powerful aromatic core of blackberry, new leather and black olive fruits with peppery sage elements and well matched oak. Dry, fleshy and concentrated on the palate, there is an explosion of punchy fruit pastilles and liquorice while retaining its energy and freshness with moderate, fine tannins well integrated to provide a long, yet subtle finish. Superb Eden Valley Shiraz and great value.” ~Angus Hughson, Winepilot~

History of excellence:

2018 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2023 London Wine Competition

2017 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2021 London Wine Competition

2016 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2021 San Francisco International Wine Competition

2015 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2020 London Wine Competition

2015 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition

2013 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2018 Melbourne International Wine Competition

2012 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2016 Melbourne International Wine Competition

2010 Jack Harrison Shiraz | Gold – 2017 New Zealand International Wine Show

PRODUCT INFO