The Standish Wine Company “The Relic” 2022
Short Summary:A refined, compelling Shiraz Viognier from the Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia, blending powerful dark fruit, spice and floral perfume with finely structured tannins and impressive length — a cult‑worthy Barossa Shiraz with Rhône‑inspired elegance and cellar potential.
About this wine
The Standish Wine Company The Relic 2022 is a small‑batch, site‑driven red wine crafted by Dan Standish, a sixth‑generation Barossan winemaker whose boutique label focuses on expressive old‑vine Shiraz with minimal intervention and meticulous barrel selection. This release comes from premium vineyards including Hongell Family Vineyard in Krondorf, where deep, old vines give concentrated, complex fruit.
Grape variety & region
Grapes: Predominantly Shiraz with a small addition of Viognier (about 1–2 % co‑fermented into the wine), a technique that enhances aromatic lift and texture.
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia — one of Australia’s most celebrated red wine regions, known for bold, structured Shiraz.
Tasting notes
Deep ruby in colour, this wine opens with aromas of blackberry, plum compote, violet, pepper spice and subtle floral lift. The palate is full‑bodied and layered, featuring dark red and blue fruits, spice, licorice, earthy undertones and finely grained tannins that give structure without overpowering. A long, persistent finish balances power with precision.
Style & winemaking
Produced with a minimal‑intervention, terroir‑focused approach, the Shiraz grapes are hand‑picked from old vines and co‑fermented with a touch of Viognier to add aromatic brightness and silkiness. The wine sees extended maturation in French oak, where careful selection and blending ensure balance between fruit intensity, structural tannins and textural refinement.
Food pairing
Pairs beautifully with:
Slow‑roasted lamb shoulder or beef short ribs
Grilled venison or game meats
Rich mushroom risotto or earthy ragù
Mature hard cheeses and charcuterie
Producer & region
The Standish Wine Company is a boutique Barossa winery founded by Dan Standish in 1999, rooted in old‑vine fruit and a philosophy that marries traditional Barossan intensity with refined balance inspired by Rhône Valley styles. The Barossa Valley’s warm days and cool nights foster deep fruit concentration while maintaining bright acidity and structure.
Shipping & storage
Store in a cool, dark place, ideally at 14–18 °C. Best enjoyed 2026 to 2044+ as the wine’s tannins and complex aromatics continue to develop and evolve.
FAQs
Q: What grape varieties are in this wine?A: Mostly Shiraz with a small percentage of Viognier co‑fermented for aromatic lift and texture.
Q: Where is it from?A: Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia — a premier Shiraz region.
Q: What style of wine is this?A: A dry, full‑bodied Shiraz Viognier with dark fruit, spice, fine tannins and ageworthy structure.
The Standish Wine Company is a strikingly beautiful winery located in Barossa Valley, South Australia. The winery and vineyards are family owned by Dan and Nicole Standish. Dan was first introduced to the art of pruning grape vines by his grandfather at the young age of six in their ancestral vineyard. Dan founded The Standish Wine Company in 1999 after securing a section of his family vineyard in the Barossa Valley. The same ancient plants that Dan carefully hand pruned are now used to produce his exclusive old vine shiraz collection.