SEPPELTSFIELD'S TIME CAPSULE
Seppeltsfield has a long and storied history of making fortified wines in Australia’s Barossa Valley, particularly its tawny-style offerings from both shiraz and grenache, since 1878. Associate editor Ryan Montgomery recently checked in to see how the ‘25 vintage is coming along – the 1925 release, that is!
In 1878, Oscar "Benno" Seppelt embarked on a mission to select his favorite puncheon of fortified wine, intending for it to remain in the cellars for 100 years before bottling. He aimed to create something special that would live on in history. He indeed accomplished this, building what he called the centennial cellar, which currently spans 148 consecutive years of production. The release of the 1925 vintage marks the 48th consecutive release of this truly unique and rare wine.
Ryan, who grew up in Australia amid the country’s bustling wine industry, was not at all surprised by the exotic and unique nature of this wine, which offers great complexity, texture and concentration. However, what might surprise some newcomers to the Australian fortified scene is the balance that the acidity brings to the wine. With over 100 years of evaporation, the proportion of acidity has actually increased as the alcohol and water have dissipated, allowing the wine to remain balanced while gaining complex density and structure.
Tasting the 1925 Seppeltsfield Rare Tawny South Australia Para transports these qualities to all the senses, revealing an almost motor-oil black color and an intensely complex nose of baking spice, dried fruits, chocolate, citrus peel and oil. The palate is rich and thick, but with vibrant acidity supporting flavors of toasted nuts, Christmas pudding, espresso, cocoa and brown butter. This wine is a time capsule, envisioned by someone who was thinking 100 years ahead, as a true visionary should.