Ranges Shiraz is one of Chris Ringland’s distinctive Barossa Valley bottlings, typically sourced from elevated or cooler-influenced sites designed to bring additional structure, freshness and aromatic definition to his signature high-impact style. While still firmly rooted in Ringland’s philosophy of concentration and power, Ranges is often positioned to highlight a slightly more lifted, structured expression of Barossa Shiraz.
Fruit for Ranges is drawn from carefully selected vineyard parcels, with altitude and site exposure playing an important role in shaping the wine’s profile. These conditions can help moderate ripeness and preserve acidity, contributing to a wine that balances Barossa richness with greater tension and line.
Aromatically, the wine typically shows intense black cherry, blackberry and plum, layered with notes of liquorice, cracked pepper, dark chocolate and exotic spice. Compared with some of Ringland’s most extreme bottlings, Ranges often displays a touch more aromatic lift and savoury complexity, adding dimension to the dense fruit core.
On the palate, the wine remains full-bodied and powerful, with a richly concentrated mid-palate framed by firm, muscular tannins. The texture is dense and authoritative, but the underlying freshness from higher or cooler sites helps provide balance and drive through a long, persistent finish.
In the cellar, Ranges receives the same meticulous, high-extraction treatment that defines Ringland’s portfolio, with extended maceration and significant oak ageing used to build structure and longevity. The élevage is tailored to support both power and aromatic complexity, reinforcing the wine’s ability to age over many years.
For collectors, Chris Ringland Ranges Shiraz offers a compelling variation on his hallmark style, combining Barossa intensity with added structure and freshness. It appeals to enthusiasts seeking the scale and drama of Ringland’s wines, with an extra layer of definition that reflects the influence of elevated or cooler vineyard sources.
