The release of the 2019 Bobbie Burns Shiraz marks the 50th consecutive vintage of this Rutherglen icon. The 50th release truly is the best of Australian shiraz – quality, vibrant fruit with subtle oak making a wine with structure, balance and beauty at all ages.
The History of the Wine…
When Scotsman John Campbell arrived in Rutherglen in 1860 he found a bustling town in the grip of gold fever. John joined the gold rush and worked on one of the district’s richest leads – the Bobbie Burns – no doubt named by another Scottish emigrant recalling his homeland and its beloved poet Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns.
When the gold ran out John selected a parcel of land adjoining the old Bobbie Burns lead and turned his energies to agriculture. He retained the name ‘Bobbie Burns’ for the property and built a new homestead from bricks fired on the property. In the 1870’s John planted the original Bobbie Burns vineyard to the west of the Bobbie Burns homestead and cellars.
The Bobbie Burns vineyard continued to flourish, and when 4th generation Campbells, Malcolm and Colin, bottled a special shiraz from the 1970 vintage it made sense to honour this wine with a name that meant so much to Campbells’ heritage and the history of this vineyard – Bobbie Burns Shiraz was born.
The Wine Today…
Now, in 2021, 5th generation Campbells, Julie and Jane, have welcomed this wine into its Golden Jubilee year. Winemaker Julie says the premise truly has remained the same when it comes to the creation of this wine; ‘grow the best possible shiraz, and use techniques in the winery that enhance the natural fruit flavour’. For many, “Bobbie” is a great friend, a wine they started their journey with and a wine they have grown up with.
For others, it’s a new discovery that shows how great modern Australian Shiraz can be. It has often been said, you can’t go wrong with Bobbie Burns and for us, there’s no greater compliment.
Enjoy With…
The dry winter and heat spikes through the summer 2019 growing season have produced a Bobbie Burns Shiraz with incredible depth and concentration of fruit flavours. Our long history with this wine suggests it will continue to develop in the bottle for a further 15+ years. Enjoy this wine with rich hearty dishes. A great food match from our friends at Milkin Kitchen; Braised hanger steak, carrot purée, heirloom carrots, and a Bobbie Burns Jus.
