2021 Schubert Estate The Gander Reserve Shiraz 750ml

Overview

The Gander Reserve represents Schubert Estate’s most ambitious expression of Barossa Valley Shiraz. Produced only from exceptional vintages, it is assembled from a rigorous selection of the finest fruit and barrels from across the estate, capturing the depth, power and refinement of Schubert Estate’s western Barossa vineyards.

Vineyard

Schubert Estate’s vineyards are located along Roennfeldt Road and Neldner Road in the Marananga sub-region on the western edge of the Barossa Valley. The estate comprises approximately 30 hectares across two locations, divided into individual vineyard blocks according to variations in soil profile, elevation and topography.

For The Gander, Shiraz is selected from a balanced range of sites across the estate. The finest bunches are hand harvested from individual vines, with each parcel handled separately before the final selection.

Viticulture

Schubert Estate follows a low-intervention, site-focused approach to viticulture, seeking to preserve the individual character of each vineyard block. The estate is certified with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.

Winemaking

The Gander undergoes an exacting selection process from vineyard through to barrel. Following extended barrel maturation, a final classification identifies a very limited selection of the strongest individual wines for the final blend. The 2021 was matured in French oak for 24 months, approximately 40% new.

Producer Tasting Notes

On the nose there are waves of layered red and black fruits intersected by fragrant spices and charcuterie notes. A rich melange of ripe dark fruits washes across the refined palate framed by a very fine tannin profile and balanced by beguiling acidity. For a wine of such impressive flavour intensity and power, the overall impression is of a remarkably agile, pretty and delicate wine displaying elegant restraint.

Critic Reviews

96/100 — Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
“A selection of the best barrels from the estate in the given vintage… Super deep magenta-splashed crimson with aromas that are like a fruit essence. Blackberry, macerated satsuma plum, blueberry and black cherry conserve… Super stuff and classic western Barossa gear.”
Tasted 16 October 2024

96/100 — Winepilot
“The Gander is a selection of the best barrels from the ‘greatest’ Barossa vintages… Sweet and savoury notes compete for attention, a fine tuning of style with its mix of briar, earth and smoked charcuterie features amid a rich layering of ripe sweet fruits…”
Tasted May 2026

95/100 — Mike Bennie, WBM
“A distinctly powerful, inky and rich red wine with the full force of regional flavour in ripe plum, choc-dipped raspberry, cola, liquorice and a coating of liquid spice and woody, cedary lift… Impressive.”
Published July 2025

93/100 — Angus Hughson, Vinous
“This barrel selection 2021 Gander Shiraz is a modern style with quite decadent oak… Richly flavoured with chunky oak tannins in support… A big wine with clear cellaring potential.”
Published December 2024

Producer

The Schubert family established its Roennfeldt Road property in the Barossa Valley in 1915. Today Schubert Estate focuses on estate-grown wines shaped by the varied soils and topography of its Marananga vineyards. Winemaker Matt Reynolds brings two decades of winemaking experience and a strong emphasis on site expression and sustainable vineyard and winery practices.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2021
• Producer: Schubert Estate
• Wine: The Gander Reserve
• Country: Australia
• Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
• Sub-Region: Marananga
• Grape Variety: Shiraz
• Wine Style: Still Red Wine
• Sweetness: Dry
• Alcohol: 15%
• Harvest: Hand Harvested
• Maturation: 24 months in French oak
• New Oak: Approximately 40%
• Sustainability: Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certified
• Cellaring: 15+ years