Standish The Schubert Theorem Shiraz 2022

"The 2022 release as a whole is the most balanced, most exciting release of Standish Shiraz to date. It has confirmed that Standish is one of the greatest, if not the greatest  Shiraz producer in this country."  Erin Larkin

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.

"It’s potent, no doubt, slinks along and stains the palate to infinity, a lithe profile of satiny tannin doing pucker and chew as dense, ripe plum, black olive, salted liquorice, clove, violet, cassis and amaro-like bitter sweet rolls on with a splash of blood orange in the mix. So satisfying, so much verity to the region and yet distinct and individual, charismatic, highly drinkable. The energy here a thing to behold. It’s vivid and a real beauty. Layers and layers on show."  Mike Bennie

Erin Larkin reviews the 2022 Standish The Schubert Theorem Shiraz (9:07 into the video)

Expert reviews

"I'm excited to taste this, as it was my favorite cuvée last year. It usually changes year to year, given the seasons, and I like that. It's usually the only cuvée to enjoy the benefits of an alternate vessel—a concrete egg—and this year, the 2022 The Schubert Theorem Shiraz joins the Relic and the Standish as well. The impact of the egg in this wine is one of refinement, or so I see it; it retains a purity of fruit at the core, which speaks to the chalky tannins that spool through the finish. They're chewy and seductive and really great. It's a beautiful release—not shimmering like the 2021, but textural and fine and elongated in its way. It's a beguiling wine, a thinking wine. And, as with the other wines tasted alongside, the bottle that has been open for two days is infinitely more complete; however, it must be noted that this review is built on the freshly opened bottle. 14.9% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax. Drink 2024-2052."  Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 98+ points

"Pop and pour: Cherry, spice, intense, blood orange and amaro herb. Absolutely a Valpolicella Ripasso thing happening, with that intensity of grainy tannin and acid cut. Coffee grounds, a whole lot of wine, and again, so tightly knit and bold in flavour that it’s hard to get your head around. 96 points.

Open for two days: Inky, spicy and perfumed, dark cherry and black olive, almond friand, a deep and savoury wine, and really quite different to your usual Barossa Shiraz. Quite saline, lots of sandy tannin grip, lively almost pomegranate acidity, and outstanding length. There’s a bit of X-Factor around this wine. It’s different. It’s a bit raw as at now too, though I love its energy. I reckon for personality and impact, it’s my favourite wine from the 2022 releases. 97points."  Gary Walsh, The Wine Front - 97 points

"Tasting through these Standish 2022 wines this was distinct. Tannin profile soared, tension, structure, finesse. That and a sense of freshness despite the freight train of concentrated ripe fruit and liquid spice found here. An Italiante sense to the wine in sour and tart, ripe and rich, earthy and meaty, herbal and bitter. Lots on. Lots of lovely. It might sit outside some of the paradigms of Barossa classics that some seek, but hey, there’s no need for that.

It’s potent, no doubt, slinks along and stains the palate to infinity, a lithe profile of satiny tannin doing pucker and chew as dense, ripe plum, black olive, salted liquorice, clove, violet, cassis and amaro-like bitter sweet rolls on with a splash of blood orange in the mix. So satisfying, so much verity to the region and yet distinct and individual, charismatic, highly drinkable. A crunch even! The energy here a thing to behold. It’s vivid and a real beauty. Layers and layers on show. Drink 2024-2040."  Mike Bennie, The Wine Front - 96+ points

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.