Shiraz    2021

Gladiator

Powerful, fearless, and full of character – Gladiator is a bold representation of strength and spirit, just like its name suggests. Crafted with precision and passion, this wine captures the essence of McLaren Vale in every drop. It’s a celebration of intensity, richness, and the enduring legacy of the Curtis Family Vineyards.


Sale price$228.00

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Package: 1 Bottle
AWARDS

2021

2021

Trophy - Best Producer – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Spring 2025
Trophy - Best Red Wine – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Spring 2025
Trophy - Best Shiraz (Syrah)
– AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Spring 2025
Gold Medal – Asia International Wine Competition
95 points
– Asia International Wine Competition
97 points
– Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
97 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit
96 points – Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
95 points – Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot
94 points – Campbell Mattinson
94 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
93 points – Cyndal Petty, Wine Pilot
93 points – Ned Goodwin

2020

2020

2021 was the first vintage for this wine

Before 2020

Before 2020

2021 was the first vintage for this wine

WINEMAKING

Crafted from 80-year-old vines, this exceptional McLaren Vale Shiraz embodies generations of Australian winemaking heritage. Each cluster of fruit is carefully hand-harvested and cold-soaked for seven days, allowing the gentle extraction of deep colour and complex flavours from these ancient vines.

The wine undergoes a natural fermentation process with wild yeasts for 21 days, preserving the authentic character of the vineyard. Following a gentle pressing, it matures for 36 months in a thoughtfully selected combination of new French and American oak barrels, developing remarkable depth and sophisticated oak integration.

This meticulous approach yields a wine of outstanding concentration and complexity, showcasing the distinctive terroir of McLaren Vale and the profound depth that only century-old vines can provide. A testament to patience and precision in winemaking, the Curtis Gladiator stands as a pinnacle expression of Australian Shiraz.

TASTING NOTE

Appearance: Deep purple-black with a vibrant crimson rim.

Nose: Intensely aromatic, revealing layers of blackberry compote, dark plum, and black cherry, complemented by notes of mocha, vanilla bean, and sweet spices. Complex undertones of black pepper, dark chocolate, and subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs emerge with aeration.

Palate: Full-bodied and opulent, displaying remarkable concentration from the old vines. Rich flavours of black fruits cascade across the palate, interweaving with dark chocolate, espresso, and sweet tobacco. The 36-month oak maturation contributes sophisticated notes of vanilla, cedar, and toasted spice while adding structure and complexity.

Finish: Exceptionally long and profound, with fine-grained tannins providing excellent structure. The finish reveals layers of dark fruit, spice, and a subtle minerality characteristic of McLaren Vale terroir.

Cellaring: While drinking beautifully now, this wine will continue to evolve and develop additional complexity over the next 15-40 years when cellared properly.

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