Bethany Wines
The cycle of life in our Barossa vines has been turning for nearly 150 years, since the Schrapel family planted their first vineyards in 1852. The family had arrived in South Australia from Silesia eight years previously and made their home in Bethany, the Barossa Valley`s first settlement.
Today, with Bethany Wines being run by fifth and sixth generations of the same Schrapel family, the vines` life cycle continues in much the same way as it always has, with minimal intervention from us to produce the best possible grapes and wines.
716005 - Riesling 2004
Made solely from the classic Riesling grown in the Eden and Barossa Valleys of South Australia, this is an exemplary dry white of the region. The colour is pale green gold, which will deepen with age and the aromas are citrus and honeysuckle blossom. These fresh characteristics carry on the palate, where they are joined by delightful tropical fruit qualities and crisp yet soft acid. Enjoy this Riesling with seafood and light chicken dishes. Delicious with poached Rainbow Trout – a gourmet delight.
716004 - Grenache 2005
Made solely from premium quality Grenache fruit harvested late in the season from old vines in the Barossa. A pleasant easy drinking style, with a most attractive crimson colour and loads of flavour. The bouquet is filled with varietal red berry fruit characters. The palate is well rounded in tannin structure with an abundance of raspberry and slightly earth flavours. An ideal antipasto wine and especially enjoyable with all lamb dishes - roast rack or marinated shoulder.
718337 - Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Aromas of ripe berries and spice are followed by a palate filled with plum and blackcurrant flavours. The mouthfeel is full and rich yet beautifully rounded with soft, fine tannins. Whilst very pleasant to drink when young it will improve in the bottle for 5+ years. It will be enjoyed with all beef dishes and is especially good with Ossa Bucco alla Milanese.
718336 - Shiraz 2002
Made from Shiraz grapes grown in the Schrapel vineyards and neighbours’ blocks in the Barossa Valley as well as a portion from Eden Valley. The flagship of the Schrapel family red wines and the style which has made the Barossa Valley famous the world over. A deep garnet, almost black, colour is followed by a bouquet of berry fruits with a hint of pepper. The flavour displays some earthy characters, excellent varietal fruit and restrained tannins. The finish is mellow and satisfying. It will be enjoyed with all red meats and full flavoured cheeses, especially a good cloth matured Australian cheddar. 92 points James Halliday
718338 - GR8 Reserve Shiraz 2002
It is not every year that we make a GR. Each vintage the red wines are assessed and a decision is made; is there a parcel of GR quality. We aim to produce a traditional wine which expresses the varietal Shiraz fruit flavour as much as possible. The bouquet should be ripe and powerful, the tannins fine and elegant and a palate that has extraordinary weight and length, balanced, to support and express the fruit flavour.
A formidable, luscious classic Australian Shiraz with enormous ageing potential. To set aside a case of this extraordinary wine for some lucky person’s 21st birthday, would be a most rewarding experience. The colour is deep garnet, almost black and the nose shows splendid fresh Shiraz and some Cassis characters. The palate is full, rich and concentrated with an intensity rarely seen in Australian Shiraz wines. It is very well structured with excellent balance between varietal fruit and fine tannins and it has enormous length. 93 points James Halliday
