Turkey Flat 'Butchers Block' Shiraz 2021
The Wine
The Butchers Block Shiraz, named to honor the original purpose of the building that now serves as their Cellar Door, is a structured, fruit-forward, and medium-bodied wine. It's a style of wine that pleases the crowd and provides great value for money. Selected source blocks contribute spice and vibrancy, offering a fresher, more nuanced take on 'Barossa Valley Shiraz'. Fifteen percent whole bunch fermentation is employed to enhance spice and structure, while the use of 100% old oak ensures the fruit remains prominent.
93 points Gary Walsh – The Wine Front "A very strong vintage for Barossa Shiraz. Gets 15% whole bunch and only old oak. Black fruit, meaty and spicy, but lively. Medium to full-bodied, a juicy core of black fruit, layered in with spice and meaty savoury flavours, fine grained tannin, and a finish of good length. Such a good expression of Barossa Shiraz. So well balanced. And value! Drink 2023-2028+"
The Details
Variety - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - South Australia
Sub Region - Barossa Valley
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2021
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Turkey Flat got its name from Prussian settlers in Bethany and Langmeil in the early 1840s. They observed a large native bird, the Plains Bustard or Ardeotis australis, frequenting the fertile flats near the lower end of Tanunda Creek, leading them to name the site 'Turkey Flat.' Although the bird is now rarely seen, its significance and the original landscape it inhabited are commemorated through the artwork on their wine labels. This landscape nurtures their vines, enabling the creation of distinctive, character-rich wines.
In 1847, Johann Fiedler planted the first Shiraz vines at Turkey Flat, becoming one of the pioneering Prussian Lutherans to produce wine in the Barossa. He was recognized for experimenting with various grape varieties to determine those best suited to the new settlement's viticultural potential. In 1851, a journalist noted that Turkey Flat had an experimental vineyard with 72 different varieties to ascertain which were most compatible with the local environment.
Since the 1860s, the Schulz family has been the stewards of Turkey Flat, upholding Fiedler's legacy by cultivating vines and crafting wines that harmonize with the landscape.
Currently, Christie Schulz represents the fourth generation of the Schulz family to oversee this extraordinary estate. Through comprehensive viticultural research in their vineyards, Christie and her team have been able to thoughtfully combine traditional Rhône varieties that authentically reflect their origins. The 1847 Shiraz vines, among the oldest in Australia, are the heart of their family-owned estate and play an essential role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Barossa Valley.
