Chris Ringland, Dry Grown Randall's Hill Barossa Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia ***On Allocation***, 2013

Producer Profile

Chris Ringland came from humble beginnings. Growing up in Auckland, in 1974, Chris decided to have a go at home winemaking after finding an old recipe book, and together with some schoolmates he harvested neighbourhood backyard vines.

Interested in learning about the science and history of winemaking, in 1977 he applied to the university of Adelaide and was admitted for a degree in oenology program at Roseworthy College. After graduating, he returned to New Zealand for a few vintages before travelling to California to gain more experience. Working for Rockford Wines in Barossa Valley for 18 vintages and in that time had the opportunity to purchase a vineyard. Chris had already established a winemaking project, Three Rivers Shiraz in 1989, utilising parcels of fruit purchased from various growers and in 1995 was able to continue with Shiraz harvested from the 100 year old vines on his Stone Chimney Creek property, found high in the Barossa Ranges of Eden Valley. At this point he changed the name from Three Rivers to Chris Ringland Shiraz with the release of the 1998 vintage and Chris Ringland Winery was born.

Viticulture

The fruit comes from dry-grown, low-yielding vines on Randall’s Hill—a site characterised by ironstone-rich soils and elevated position in the Barossa Ranges. The old vines are untrellised and minimally irrigated, producing small berries with thick skins and concentrated flavours. The 2018 vintage (typical reference year unless specified) delivered low yields of exceptional quality due to warm, dry conditions and a long ripening period.

Winemaking

Traditional small-batch vinification with wild yeast fermentation was followed by extended maceration to enhance structure and depth. The wine was matured in a combination of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads for approximately 24–30 months. This long ageing process allowed integration of tannins and the development of complex tertiary notes. Bottled unfiltered to preserve natural richness and texture.

Tasting Note

Deep and brooding, the Randall’s Hill Shiraz showcases Barossa richness with a sense of poise and detail.

Food Matching

A natural partner for slow-cooked beef short rib, roast venison with blackberry jus, or grilled portobello mushrooms with rosemary and garlic.