There are plenty of big Shiraz from Australia, but few capture the character of the northern Barossa quite like Ben Glaetzer Bishop. Made from old vine Shiraz in the Ebenezer sub region, at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley, Bishop is a wine built around concentration, generosity and that unmistakable Barossa sense of place. The vineyards behind it are remarkably old, with vines ranging from around 35 to 120 years, producing naturally low yields and fruit with remarkable intensity.
Origins
The Glaetzer family has been part of Barossa wine history since 1888, and Ben Glaetzer has taken that heritage in his own direction. His approach combines traditional Barossa winemaking with a modern sensitivity to balance and texture. Bishop is fermented in small open fermenters, with extended maceration used to develop depth and tannin while keeping the wine approachable in its youth. It is then matured for around 16 months in French dominant oak, with a proportion of new barrels providing spice, toast and structure without overwhelming the fruit.
Tasting
In the glass, Bishop is richly expressive. Expect aromas of blackberry, black cherry and dark plum, followed by layers of pepper, spice, olive, cocoa and subtle earthy or ironstone notes. The palate is full and generous, yet the best vintages show impressive definition beneath the richness. Fine grained tannins give the wine shape, while the fruit carries through to a long, satisfying finish. It is the sort of Shiraz that delivers immediate pleasure but rewards patience in the cellar.
Awards and Accolades
Bishop has also built an impressive record with critics. Recent vintages have earned 94 points from Wine Pilot and 93 from James Suckling, while Wine Advocate has consistently recognised the wine's concentration, regional character and value. The 2021 vintage also received 95 points from Ray Jordan, underlining the consistency of the wine at this level.
What makes Bishop particularly appealing is its position within the Glaetzer range. It has the richness and old vine pedigree associated with the house's more prestigious Shirazes, but with a little more openness and accessibility. In many ways, it is a perfect introduction to Ben Glaetzer's world: powerful, unmistakably Barossan and unapologetically generous, yet carefully shaped so that the power never becomes the whole story.
| Wine Type | Red wine |
| Producer | Ben Glaetzer |
| State | South Australia |
| Region | Barossa Valley |
| Variety | Shiraz |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Alcohol | 14.5% |
