Schwarz Wine Co. Nitschke Block Shiraz 2022

Tasting Note

Power meets vibrancy. Aromas of blackberry jam, warm earth, prosciutto/charcuterie, which leads into a further suggestion of saline notes, via brine and soy sauce. Has great focus on the palate, black fruits, mulberry, that saline/umami component giving balance; a decent fist of tannin here but they’re ripe and fine. Creosote/tar, and sweet blueberries reveal further with air in the glass.

Awards & Accolades

95 Points
The Vintage Journal

Deep crimson. Lovely dark chocolate, blackberry aromas with hints of liquorice. Generous and inky deep with ample dark berry dark chocolate flavours and fresh velvety smooth tannins. Finishes cedar firm with mineral herbgarden notes. A really likeable and versatile style.
- Andrew Caillard MW

This is a dense, powerful, high octane example of Barossa Shiraz. It’s thick with plum, leather, earth, sweet spice and chocolate flavour, the aftertaste then adding brandy, saltbush and more of those suede-leather notes. This wine is smooth, rich and satisfying, with just enough maturity to the fruit to give it a mellow feel.
- Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

Food Pairing

Creamy cauliflower and blue cheese pappardelle.

Winemaking 

The 2022 Nitschke Block Shiraz is a testament to patience and craft. Hand harvested in two picks (8 and 21 March), parcels were gently fermented in open-top fermenters, with 20% whole bunch used to add structure. Daily pump-overs and occasional foot stomping brought texture, while wild yeast guided slow, expressive ferments. After 20 months in French oak (28% new), the wine was blended and bottled in March 2025. Elegant and focused, it reveals layers of dark plum, blueberry, spice, and subtle herbs - a true reflection of the cool, measured 2022 vintage.