The 2008 Chris Ringland Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz stands as one of the most powerful and collectable expressions of Barossa Valley Shiraz, sourced from the legendary Hoffmann family vineyards in the northern Barossa. Crafted by Chris Ringland, this wine epitomises his uncompromising philosophy: ultra-low yields, extreme fruit concentration, and meticulous, hands-on winemaking.
The Hoffmann Vineyard is renowned for its old, low-yielding Shiraz vines, grown on ancient soils that naturally limit vigour and produce intensely flavoured fruit. The 2008 vintage delivered near-perfect conditions, allowing for full phenolic ripeness while retaining structural integrity—an ideal foundation for Ringland’s bold, age-worthy style.
In the winery, fruit was hand-harvested and fermented in small batches, with extended maceration to extract maximum colour, flavour, and tannin. The wine was then matured in high-quality French and American oak, including a significant proportion of new barrels, for an extended period to build power, depth, and longevity. Every step of the process was focused on concentration and balance rather than yield.
The resulting wine is deeply coloured and immensely expressive, offering aromas of blackberry compote, mulberry, dark chocolate, espresso, liquorice, and sweet spice, layered with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is full-bodied and commanding, delivering dense dark fruit, muscular yet ripe tannins, and remarkable length. Despite its scale, the wine remains controlled and harmonious, reflecting both vineyard pedigree and skilled craftsmanship.
Built for long-term ageing, the 2008 Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz can be enjoyed now with extended decanting, but will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 15–25+ years, developing complex tertiary notes of leather, earth, and savoury spice.
A true Barossa icon and a must-have for collectors seeking power, provenance, and prestige in Australian Shiraz.
