Standish The Schubert Theorem Shiraz 2019

James Suckling Top 100 Wines of Australia 2021

Dan Standish has the Barossa Valley running through his veins. A 6th Generation native, Dan created his Standish label in 1999 whilst still working at Torbreck. Today his wines are some of the most highly sought-after in the world and are critically acclaimed both here in Australia and internationally.

"Just incredible shiraz, this has the x-factor of purity and inherent complexity. So layered and so detailed. The palate is so saturated and so deeply set with dark fruit cascading long and lively on the finish. Stunning shiraz once again."  James Suckling

Erin Larkin reviews the 2019 Standish Schubert Theorem Shiraz (7:00 into the video)

Expert reviews

"Just incredible shiraz, this has the x-factor of purity and inherent complexity. So layered and so detailed. The aromas and flavors of intense blackberry, rich plum, blueberry and cherry fold over and over each other, together with plenty of spice and a flicker of dark stones. The palate is so saturated and so deeply set with dark fruit cascading long and lively on the finish. Stunning shiraz once again. Drink over the next decade."  James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com - 99 points and Top 100 Wines of Australia 2021

"I think this had the reputation for impenetrable beast last year… but I really don't see that this year. It is velvety svelte and plush with a midnight core of fruit and tannin. Like a blackhole in space the fruit, spice and tannin swirl in and out of each other's grooves, this is not placid or still, this is ever-moving, intense and black. The nose is pretty – leafy cassis, raspberry, salted liquorice and dark cocoa. It could be the choice of audio currently (Action Bronson) but there's a capoeira agility to this wine… it's lithe and flexible with layers of muscly tannin and lean fruit. There is no point at which the seams that connect the fruit, acid and tannin are able to be unpicked or loosened. Already now it is seamless. It is clear that this wine will chill out in time, its compressed layers will start to expand and fill out. The length of flavour ensures its long life. Epic. Big. Long. Super impressive again. Savoury edge – minerally and exciting. 14.9% alc."  Erin Larkin, erinlarkin.com.au – 97 points

Awards

Top 100 Wines of Australia 2021 - James Suckling

The schubert theorem

100% Shiraz. Sourced from various sections of the Roennenfeldt Road Vineyard in Marananga that is owned by the Helbig Family. Planted on own roots between 1994 & 1999 (12ft x 8ft spacing). The soils are deep red/brown earths with eroded protrusions of crystalline quartz - ranging between 272-296m above sea level.

The connection between the name of the wine and the vineyard is both the Schubert family, and the concept of the sum of parts being greater than the whole… reflecting the vineyard sourcing. The Schubert Theorem lies within a branch of mathematics known as 'knot theory'. It states that any knot can be uniquely decomposed as the connected sum of prime knots. Aptly named, this wine deconstructs the Schubert family vineyard into its distinct sections, taking the finest elements of each, re-assembling to connect and enhance their strengths.

"The most sophisticated and interesting fruit comes from the east facing slope; this vineyard is really about the right clone planted in exactly the right spot, on the right dirt."  Dan Standish

About the Winery

Dan Standish has the Barossa Valley running through his veins. A 6th Generation native, Dan created his Standish label in 1999 whilst still working at Torbreck. Today his wines are some of the most highly sought-after in the world and are critically acclaimed both here in Australia and internationally.

Standish Wine Company is a strikingly beautiful winery located in the Barossa Valley. The winery and vineyards are 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. He 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 old vine shiraz, fittingly titled 'The Relic'.

Dan and Nicole work side by side at their modern, cavernous winery. The large stone and brick building is framed by lavender bushes and grand old vines. They purchased the site in 2013 a decade after it was built by French-managed company The Colonial Estate. The structure is like something straight out of France's Rhone Valley or Spain's Rioja, both parts of the world that Dan has worked in. He also made wine in California's Napa and Sonoma Valleys, before working for Torbreck. 

The estate produces a number of examples of Barossa Shiraz, including 'The Relic', 'The Standish', The Schubert Theorem and Lamella. Each wine is produced with the utmost attention to detail, blending traditional techniques with modern technology.