Ben Glaetzer “Wallace” 2021
A vibrant, layered Barossa blend with dark fruit, spice, and savoury lift. Generous, characterful, and more agile than denser blockbuster reds.
The 2021 Wallace is a wine that reflects both the heritage of the Barossa Valley and the modern vision of Ben Glaetzer, one of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers. The Glaetzer family has worked the soils of the Barossa for generations, and Ben continues this tradition with a philosophy rooted in respect for old vines, purity of fruit, and balance in winemaking.
Wallace is a blend of 84% Shiraz and 16% Grenache, sourced exclusively from the Ebenezer sub-district of northern Barossa, an area famed for its ancient soils and gnarly old vines. The Shiraz, from vines aged 50–80 years, provides the wine with richness, structure, and dark fruit intensity, while the Grenache, from vines between 50–100 years old, brings brightness, spice, and a lifted floral quality. Together, they form a wine that is both powerful and vibrant, paying homage to the Barossa’s history of blending Shiraz and Grenache.
In the glass, the 2021 vintage opens with enticing aromas of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, lifted by notes of raspberry, lavender, pepper, and anise. The palate is plush and generous, with layers of dark fruit framed by savoury spice and a hint of liquorice. The Grenache component provides freshness and energy, balancing the depth of the Shiraz. Fine, rounded tannins and bright acidity give the wine poise, leading to a long, fruit-driven finish with savoury complexity.
True to Ben Glaetzer’s winemaking approach, Wallace sees careful oak use that enhances fruit purity without overpowering it. This ensures immediate drinkability while also providing the structure to age gracefully for up to a decade.
Australia
Barossa Valley
Blend
750ml
14%
2021Ben Glaetzer “Wallace” 2021 is one of the producer’s most consistently successful wines because it captures Barossa generosity without requiring the sheer density of the top cuvées. Built as a blend rather than a single-variety flagship, it offers fruit richness, spice, and structure, but with more flexibility and brightness than a monolithic Shiraz.
That makes it particularly attractive for those who want a recognisably Barossa wine but prefer energy and drinkability over raw size. The blend allows for dark fruit and warmth, but also a little extra red-fruit lift and savoury complexity that broadens its appeal.
In many ways, “Wallace” sits in the sweet spot for premium Australian reds: rich enough to impress, but agile enough to keep returning to the glass.
A dry, medium- to full-bodied red with broad fruit, polished tannins, and a more lively profile than denser Barossa icons. It remains generous, but it has enough freshness to stay mobile and food-friendly.
In simple terms: a beautifully judged Barossa blend — rich, spicy, and expressive, but with better lift than many heavier reds.
- Appearance: Deep ruby-purple.
- Nose: Blackberry, plum, red cherry, pepper, and liquorice.
- Palate: Dark fruit with layered spice and a little savoury lift.
- Texture: Medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins.
- Finish: Warm, balanced, and persistent.
- Overall Impression: A highly attractive Barossa blend that combines richness, balance, and broad drinkability.
- Roast Lamb – A very natural match.
- Barbecue Beef – Great with smoky char and dark meat flavours.
- Pork Belly – The wine’s fruit and spice handle richer pork dishes well.
- Pasta with Slow-Cooked Ragu – A good match for the wine’s generous but balanced profile.
- Hard Cheeses – Works very well with mature cheddar or similar cheeses.
- Serve at 16–18°C.
- Decant for 20–30 minutes if desired.
- Use a large red wine glass.
- Best enjoyed over the next 4–6 years.
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