Kellermeister – Some Pretty Epic Reds

Kellermeister is a Barossa winery that has picked up some significant accolades over the last five or six years. As everyone knows, many wine “awards” are little more than paid advertising, but in Kellermeister’s case, we’re talking about some real awards … the kind that make people like us take notice.

Kellermeister holds an annual tasting event in Melbourne, and we were lucky enough to attend in 2018. Kellermeister mostly produces reds, and to our palates, that’s clearly their strength. The four reds we recommend below are remarkable wines and all represent great value considering the liquid gold inside. We look forward to visiting Kellermeister’s Cellar Door, about which we have heard great things. It is located in Lyndoch, roughly between two other wineries we love (the wonderful Schild Estate and Liebichwein Winery) so you can make a good day of it if you do visit. In the meantime, give the wines below a go. They are awesome!

* 2016 Curtain Raiser Tempranillo – This wine is aptly named. Indeed, it makes a nice starting point for your voyage through the Kellermeister portfolio of reds. Chocolate nose and nice middle of the road spiciness on the palate in this fleshy, sultry, and altogether enjoyable drop. And dare we say it drinks unusually Spanish for an AUS Tempranillo! $28.50

* 2013 Ralph’s Ensemble Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon – The Shiraz and Cab Sav combination is a tricky one that is usually gotten wrong. But when it’s right, it’s so right, as is the case here. Velvety is an overused wine term, but it surely applies here. Assertive spice holds it place, but does not dominate and the dark fruit deliciousness smoothly covers your entire palate. Probably the biggest bargain in the portfolio at $28.50

* 2013 Whiskers Single Vineyard Grenache – What a brilliant, vibrant wine. Probably drinking peak right now. Youthful vivaciousness and depth of age both showing at the moment. Beautiful Grenache nose of creamy raspberry segues into a very bright wine. Pepper, leather depth, raspberry playing second trumpet in the background as sunshine spreads across the palate. A bright but still very serious wine. We loved it. $45

* 2014 Wild Witch Shiraz – Finally, we come to Kellermeister’s signature bottle, the Wild Witch. What a Shiraz this one is. Broad and powerful. but oh so seamlessly smooth. At this decibel level of a Shiraz, you simply cannot find better balance than this. Magical, glorious, complete – these are the adjectives that best describe this long-finishing, palate-enveloping wonder. This Witch surely cast a spell on us. $85