Z WINE Julius Shiraz 2022 Review: Oak Over Fruit in the Barossa
Z WINE’s Julius Shiraz 2022 arrives as a bold Barossa release, basket-pressed and sitting at 14.5% ABV. The deep maroon and gold label suggests weight and confidence, setting expectations for plush generosity. On tasting, however, the wine reveals something more restrained, with barrel seasoning and structure taking precedence over sweetness.
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Vintage: |
2022 |
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Region: |
Barossa Valley, SA |
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Varietal: |
Shiraz |
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ABV: |
14.5% |
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RRP: |
~ $75 – $80 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
In the glass, it shows a dense purple-black core that fades to a vivid crimson rim. Under brighter light it flashes ruby; in shade it deepens toward brooding purple. The wine is clear and free of haze. Slow, evenly spaced legs underline the alcohol and body, hinting at real concentration.
Aroma / Nose
Even without a swirl, the nose offers sweet oak and a peppery lift. After a few minutes, it remains slightly guarded. Kiki picked out emerging red berry notes, while I focused on the wood, sweet and faintly cork-like in character despite the screw cap. As it opens, spice and subtle sweetness appear, though barrel influence continues to shape the profile.
Palate / Taste
Acidity makes itself known immediately, sharpening the palate and setting a firm tone. Tannins grip softly at the cheeks and gums, lingering centrally. Primary flavours appear briefly before yielding to savoury weight and structural tension. A restrained berry character remains beneath the surface, more suggestion than anchor.
Finish
The finish is dry and composed, guided by savoury weight and seasoning from oak. Acidity continues to tingle as the darker berry note slips away. With food, the wine holds its line, favouring frame and restraint over immediate generosity.
Food Pairing
We poured this alongside a modest afternoon cheese board to see how contrast would influence the wine.
Edam heightened the acidity without tipping into sharpness, making the wine feel taut and composed.
Persian fetta softened the profile, drawing out darker fruit that had previously sat in the background.
Cottage cheese leaned into dryness but did not clash, revealing more of the savoury backbone.
Prosciutto pushed the wine back toward spice and oak, firm and slightly smoky against the fat of the meat.
This Shiraz responds clearly to contrast. Creamier pairings coax out hidden fruit; saltier, cured elements reinforce its structural edge.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Z WINE’s Julius Shiraz 2022 does not follow the usual Barossa blueprint. Rather than offering immediate plushness, it leans into structure, acidity, and barrel seasoning. The fruit is present, but it plays a supporting role in its current stage.
Would we drink it again? Possibly, particularly with food that softens its edges.
Would we cellar it? Yes. Time may bring greater harmony and allow the darker fruit to sit more confidently within the frame.
Was it worth opening? Yes, for curiosity rather than easy indulgence.
Firm in frame and quietly guarded, this is a Shiraz that prioritises control over charm.
Editor’s Note
Critic reviews describe plush fruit and fine-grained tannins that unfold with air or cellaring. Our bottle, tasted fresh and without decanting, showed a more structure-driven profile. Time in glass or a few years in the cellar may reveal the darker fruit and suppleness others have praised.
–Adrian – Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
