97 Points, James Halliday | Barossa Shiraz with Energy, Focus and Finesse

The 2017 St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz brings a more finely drawn perspective to a familiar Barossa name. James Halliday's 97-point review singles out its energy, focus and finesse, calling it a joy to taste.

My Wine Man on St Hallett

Founded in 1944, St Hallett is deeply rooted in the Barossa Valley and its Shiraz tradition. Blackwell is a natural starting point for drinkers who enjoy the region's generous red-wine character but want definition as well as depth. What interests us about this vintage is Halliday's emphasis on precision rather than sheer weight: a wine to spend time with over a proper meal.

Tasting Notes

Think of Blackwell's familiar dark-fruited Barossa style as the starting point, with the 2017 review highlighting energy, focus and finesse rather than a detailed fruit-by-fruit tasting note.

James Halliday: “If it follows in the footsteps of the '16, it was crushed and destemmed, 10 days on skins, and 14 months in oak (30% new). It brings the energy, focus and finesse of '17 into high relief, making this a joy to taste.”

The winemaking details in that review are conditional, not a confirmed technical specification for the 2017. 97 points, James Halliday.

Style & Drinking Window

A dry Barossa Shiraz for drinkers who value concentration with focus and finesse. Our suggested drinking window is 2026–2030, subject to storage and bottle condition, rather than a critic-issued cellaring recommendation. Serve around 16–18°C. Taste on opening, then give it 30–60 minutes of air if needed, decanting gently if sediment is present.

Food Pairing

The dark-fruited character associated with Blackwell and the focus Halliday highlights in the 2017 make it a satisfying match for slow-roasted lamb from My Meat Man. The wine's dark-fruit register complements the lamb's richly savoury, yielding texture, while its sense of energy keeps the pairing from feeling heavy, whether the lamb is slow-roasted with rosemary and garlic, gently braised with thyme, or roasted then finished over charcoal. Keep the jus savoury rather than sweet so the wine's finesse remains in focus.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$199 per bottle, matching our existing 2018 listing's bottle price, this is an appealing way to explore a 97-point Barossa Shiraz without a special-occasion budget. The reason to choose it is not just the score: Halliday's description of energy, focus and finesse makes a persuasive case for opening it at the dinner table.

Looking for a Different Style?

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