Z WINE Julius Shiraz 2022 Review – Oak Over Fruit in the Barossa
The Julius Shiraz 2022 from Z WINE presents itself as a bold Barossa release, basket-pressed and sitting at 14.5% ABV. The deep maroon and gold label suggests confidence and weight, setting expectations for plush fruit and warmth. What emerges in the glass, however, is more restrained — a Shiraz where structure and barrel influence take 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, the wine shows a dense purple-black core that lightens to a vivid crimson rim. Under brighter light it flashes ruby; in shade it deepens toward a darker, brooding purple. The wine is clear and free of haze. Slow, evenly spaced legs underline the alcohol and body, hinting at real weight.
Aroma / Nose
Even without a swirl, the nose offers sweet oak and a peppery lift. With time in the glass, it remains a little guarded: Kiki picked out red berry notes beginning to surface, while I stayed with the wood — sweet, almost cork-like in character, despite the screwcap. As it opens, spice and a faint sweetness emerge, though the barrel influence continues to lead.
Palate / Taste
Acidity makes itself known immediately, sharpening the palate and setting the tone. Tannins grip softly at the cheeks and gums, lingering most centrally. Fruit is present but fleeting, ceding centre stage to the wine’s structure. Beneath that frame, a restrained berry note remains — subtle, more suggestion than statement.
Finish
The finish is structured and dry, firmly led by savoury weight and barrel seasoning; acidity continues to tingle as the berry note slips away. With food, the wine holds its line — more about frame and restraint than generosity.
Food Pairing
We poured this alongside a modest afternoon cheese board, using a mix of textures to see how the wine’s structure would respond.
Edam sharpened the edges, bringing acidity forward without tipping into sourness and making the wine feel taut and composed.
Persian fetta shifted things in the opposite direction — its salt and creaminess softened the profile, drawing out a darker fruit note that had previously sat beneath the surface.
Cottage cheese pulled the texture drier but didn’t clash, revealing more of the wine’s savoury backbone.
With prosciutto, the barrel influence stepped forward again — firm, spicy, and slightly smoky against the fat of the meat.
By the end, it was clear this Shiraz finds its rhythm in contrast. Creamier pairings coax out buried fruit; saltier, cured elements push the wine back toward its oak-and-spice posture.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Z WINE’s Julius Shiraz 2022 doesn’t follow the usual Barossa blueprint. Instead of ripe, fruit-forward power, it leans into structure, acidity, and barrel influence — a deliberate composition that can feel slightly unyielding in its youth. The fruit is there, but it’s shy, appearing briefly before being overtaken by savoury weight and spice.
Would we drink it again? Possibly — with food that can steady its edges.
Would we cellar it? Perhaps; time may bring better harmony between structure and fruit.
Was it worth opening? Yes — for curiosity rather than easy indulgence.
Firm in frame and quietly guarded, this is a Shiraz that values control over charm.
Editor’s Note
Critic reviews of the Julius Shiraz 2022 describe plush fruit, fine-grained tannins, and depth that unfolds 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.
