Paulmara Areti Shiraz, Barossa Valley

The word ‘areti’ refers to ‘excellence’ of any kind. Paulmara Estates define it as ‘excellence of character bound with fulfilment of purpose to live up to one’s full potential’. Areti is typically deep in colour, with complex dark berry aromas, rich velvety textures, and prodigious length. Andrew Caillard MW has observed that Areti is distinctly ‘Penfoldsian’ in style, which makes sense as the viticulturist (Paul Georgiadis) and winemaker (Jason Barrette) are both ex-Penfolds.

Areti is made from Barossa Valley shiraz (with 5% cabernet sauvignon) from two distinct, estate-owned, Marananga vineyards—Block 1A and Paradigm vineyard. Planted in 1995, Block 1A rises up to 290m, and its soils range from red-brown loams over red clay with ironstone, to red-brown loams over clay and limestone. Paradigm’s vines range from 50 to 90 years old, its soils are predominantly red-brown loams over red clay, with shattered ironstone and quartz, and its fruit carries a reputation for having contributed to Penfolds Grange.