Bowen Estate Shiraz 2023 750ml

“Classic Coonawarra Shiraz with blackberry, red plum, liquorice, bay leaf and fine savoury tannins.”

Bowen Estate Shiraz 2023 is a beautifully balanced Coonawarra Shiraz with more freshness and elegance than brute force.

Blackberry, red plum and raspberry lead the way, with liquorice, bay leaf, clove and subtle cocoa adding extra depth. The palate is medium bodied and succulent, with fresh acidity, fine tannins and just enough oak to give the wine shape without getting in the way of the fruit. Bowen Estate describes the 2023 as a cooler vintage with excellent varietal definition and freshness.

Bowen Estate is one of Coonawarra’s benchmark family producers, and this is a terrific example of the house style. It has the dark fruit and spice you want from Shiraz, but with the extra freshness and savoury detail that makes Coonawarra so distinctive. The 2023 also received 93 points from Angus Hughson at Vinous.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Blackberry, red plum, raspberry, clove, cocoa and regional mint.

Palate: Medium bodied and succulent with red and dark fruit, liquorice, bay leaf and fine gravelly tannins.

Finish: Long and balanced with lingering blackcurrant, black olive, cedar and savoury spice.

About The Winery

Bowen Estate is a family owned Coonawarra producer established in 1972 on the region’s famous terra rossa soils. The winery remains owned and operated by the Bowen family, with Doug Bowen and daughter Emma continuing the focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage was cooler and slower ripening, resulting in wines with strong varietal definition and lower alcohol than some warmer years. Bowen Estate’s Shiraz shows intense fruit from start to finish, with liquorice and bay leaf adding savoury detail while American oak supports the natural tannins.

This is a very polished take on Shiraz, but still unmistakably Coonawarra. More structure than swagger, which is often where the interesting wines live.

Cellaring Potential

Bowen Estate recommends enjoying the 2023 Shiraz over the next five to seven years, while current retailer guidance suggests a drinking window out to around 2035.

Recommended drinking window: Now to 2033.

Collector’s Note

The 2023 Bowen Estate Shiraz received 93 points from Angus Hughson at Vinous, who highlighted its blackberry, clove, cocoa, blackcurrant, black olive and regional mint character, along with its firm acidity and gravelly tannins.

Details

Producer: Bowen Estate
Vintage: 2023
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
Wine Style: Classic Coonawarra Shiraz
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Body: Medium bodied
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Oak: American Oak
Review: 93 Points, Angus Hughson, Vinous
Cellaring: 5 to 7 Years