Clos Otto Shiraz
With vines planted by previous owner Otto Kasper using a cutting from an ageing and secret Shiraz clone, and tended to with almost antique machinery and a well-practiced hand, the Clos Otto vineyard consistently yields super low quantities with ultra rich flavours.
The Story
In 2004, an unlikely kinship shared with an elderly German gentleman resulted in the Hentley Farm estate being extended with the purchase of a neighbouring vineyard, which shared the treasured natural amphitheatre of rolling hills that surround Hentley Farm and has resulted in our icon, the Clos Otto Shiraz.
Otto Kasper was a spritely 65 year-old engineer by training, and retired German border guard, when he and wife Gutwin moved to the Barossa Valley to pursue his dream of planting a vineyard in Australia. After getting to know a community of like-minded Deutsch-speaking farmers in the area surrounding his small property in Seppeltsfield, he set about planting his beloved vineyard, with a markedly organic approach. Working from early in the morning til late in the night with a well practiced hand and antique machinery, he planted rootlings from mysterious origins and secret old clones. Whilst his eye may have occasionally been off when aligning the rows, his feel for where to plant what was definitely on.
Otto’s planting of Shiraz with a north – south orientation in shallow red clay loam overlying red plastic clay, ensure the vines enjoy long days of even sunlight and a micro climate that contribute to soft elegant tannins and a beautiful complex aromatic and flavour profile.
In honour of Otto Kasper who had the foresight and passion to plant this amazing portion of our vineyard we first released the Clos Otto Shiraz in 2005 and a pedigree of excellence was rewarded in 2016 when it was recognised and accepted as one of the finest wine examples in our world renowned region with the awarding of The Barossa Trust Mark which recognises and celebrates excellence in food, wine and tourism offerings from across the Barossa region. It is a sign of authenticity; the mark of a genuine Barossa product or experience… the best of the best. In 2019 we were very proud to have the Clos Otto Shiraz included as a wine of excellence in Langtons classification and the heritage of excellence continues with each vintage.
The current release is a story of both vineyard and vintage showcasing a perfect mix of power and elegance with vibrant colours and powerful fruit.
