The 2013 Hentley Farm Clos Otto Shiraz is the flagship Shiraz of the renowned Hentley Farm estate and one of the most powerful and age-worthy wines produced in the Barossa Valley. Crafted only in exceptional vintages from the estate's finest vineyard parcels, Clos Otto represents the pinnacle of Hentley Farm's pursuit of excellence and terroir-driven winemaking.
Named after Otto Kasper, the pioneering viticulturist who first recognised the extraordinary potential of the western Barossa's unique landscape, Clos Otto is sourced from a single, elevated vineyard site characterised by shallow soils, low yields, and exceptional fruit concentration. These challenging growing conditions consistently produce Shiraz of remarkable intensity, structure, and longevity.
The outstanding 2013 vintage delivered near-perfect ripening conditions throughout the Barossa Valley. Warm, dry weather and a long growing season allowed the fruit to achieve exceptional flavour development while retaining balance and freshness. The resulting wine is both powerful and refined, showcasing the unique character of the Clos Otto vineyard.
Following hand harvesting, the fruit was carefully sorted and fermented in small batches before maturation in premium French oak barrels. Extended barrel ageing enhanced texture and complexity while preserving the vineyard's distinctive identity.
The bouquet is intensely aromatic, revealing layers of blackberry, blueberry, black plum, and dark cherry, intertwined with notes of liquorice, dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, star anise, and exotic spice. With additional bottle age, hints of leather, tobacco leaf, and savoury earthiness have begun to emerge, adding further complexity.
The palate is rich, concentrated, and beautifully structured. Dense dark fruit flavours are supported by velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and seamlessly integrated oak. Despite its power and depth, the wine maintains remarkable precision and elegance, finishing long with lingering notes of dark berries, spice, and fine oak.
Now entering a superb drinking window, the 2013 Clos Otto Shiraz offers exceptional complexity and maturity while retaining the structure to continue evolving over the next decade or more.
Winery: Hentley Farm
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vineyard: Clos Otto Vineyard
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2013
Style: Full-Bodied Premium Shiraz
Food Pairing: Wagyu beef, grilled ribeye, roast lamb shoulder, venison, slow-braised short ribs, and mature hard cheeses.
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Drinking Window: 2020-2053
