Shiraz    2021

Gladiator

Gladiator Shiraz Wine From Mclaren Vale - Curtis Family Vineyards
Gold medal award from the International Wine Challenge 2026 with 95 points

Powerful, fearless, and full of character – Gladiator Shiraz Wine is a bold representation of strength and spirit, just like its name suggests. Crafted with precision and passion, this wine captures the essence of McLaren Vale in every drop. It’s a celebration of intensity, richness, and the enduring legacy of the Curtis Family Vineyards.

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Package: 1 Bottle
AWARDS

2022

2022

Gold Medal– AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge

Impenetrable inky-purple with a narrow crimson rim. The nose is powerful with rich blackberry, dark cherry, dark chocolate and savoury oak spice. On the palate this is a true powerhouse; dense, concentrated and opulent with rich black fruit, spice and serious tannin structure. From 36 months ageing in French and American Oak hogsheads, the 2022 Gladiator exhibits outstanding depth and a commanding, long finish.
Vino Masters Score: 97/100 ★★★★★ Monumental, rich and age-worthy.

A bold, full-flavoured Shiraz of heft and high five glory. It wears its regional character proudly and distinctly, unctuous, ripe, soft, bold. Blackberry, plum, liquorice and woody spice notes surge across the palate and through the fog of the bouquet. Rich and generous, lush, yet framed by thick, firm tannins and then finishes with curious blood orange freshness. A hearty, satisfying wine that delivers flavour without apology.

Mike Bennie AWB Magazine Score: 95/100 ★★★★★

I’ve had this cuvée before and while a behemoth, this vintage is sitting in a nice place with salacious fruit, well nestled oak and just the right dab of freshness to promote length and notable poise, belying the wine’s obvious power and weight. Very well done in the context of a rich, traditional style
Ned Goodwin MW Score: 95/100 ★★★★★

2021

2021

Trophy - Best Producer – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Spring 2025
Trophy - Best Red Wine – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Spring 2025
Trophy - Best Shiraz (Syrah) – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge - Spring 2025
Gold Medal - London Wine Competition
Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge 2026
Gold Medal – Asia International Wine Competition
17.5 points – Jancis Robinson
98 points – Russell Gallagher, Vino Masters
95 points – Asia International Wine Competition
97 points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
97 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit
96 points – Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
95 points – International Wine Challenge 2026
95 points – Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot
94 points – Campbell Mattinson
94 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
93 points – Cyndal Petty, Wine Pilot
93 points – Ned Goodwin
93 points – Lisa Cardelli, The Wine Pilot

Before 2020

Before 2020

2021 was the first vintage for this wine

WINEMAKING

Crafted from 80-year-old vines, this exceptional McLaren Vale Shiraz embodies generations of Australian winemaking heritage. Each cluster of fruit is carefully hand-harvested and cold-soaked for seven days, allowing the gentle extraction of deep colour and complex flavours from these ancient vines.

The wine undergoes a natural fermentation process with wild yeasts for 21 days, preserving the authentic character of the vineyard. Following a gentle pressing, it matures for 36 months in a thoughtfully selected combination of new French and American oak barrels, developing remarkable depth and sophisticated oak integration.

This meticulous approach yields a wine of outstanding concentration and complexity, showcasing the distinctive terroir of McLaren Vale and the profound depth that only century-old vines can provide. A testament to patience and precision in winemaking, the Curtis Gladiator stands as a pinnacle expression of Australian Shiraz.

TASTING NOTE

Appearance: Deep purple-black with a vibrant crimson rim.

Nose: Intensely aromatic, revealing layers of blackberry compote, dark plum, and black cherry, complemented by notes of mocha, vanilla bean, and sweet spices. Complex undertones of black pepper, dark chocolate, and subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs emerge with aeration.

Palate: Full-bodied and opulent, displaying remarkable concentration from the old vines. Rich flavours of black fruits cascade across the palate, interweaving with dark chocolate, espresso, and sweet tobacco. The 36-month oak maturation contributes sophisticated notes of vanilla, cedar, and toasted spice while adding structure and complexity.

Finish: Exceptionally long and profound, with fine-grained tannins providing excellent structure. The finish reveals layers of dark fruit, spice, and a subtle minerality characteristic of McLaren Vale terroir.

Cellaring: While drinking beautifully now, this wine will continue to evolve and develop additional complexity over the next 15-40 years when cellared properly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes Gladiator Shiraz different from other McLaren Vale Shiraz wines?

    Gladiator Shiraz is built around a bold, full-bodied style with strong fruit concentration and structure, offering a more intense and commanding profile compared to softer, everyday Shiraz options.

  • Is Gladiator Shiraz a heavy or easy-drinking red wine?

    It leans toward a full-bodied, powerful style, but remains balanced enough to be enjoyed without feeling overly aggressive—ideal for those who enjoy rich yet controlled wines.

  • What flavour profile can I expect from Gladiator Shiraz?

    Expect dark fruit notes like blackberry and plum, layered with spice, subtle oak, and a long, warming finish that reflects its bold character.

  • Is this Gladiator Shiraz worth buying over standard premium Shiraz options?

    If you're looking for a wine with strong personality, depth, and intensity, this stands out from standard premium options that often focus more on consistency than impact.

  • Who should buy Gladiator Shiraz?

    This wine is best suited for Shiraz lovers who prefer bold, structured reds, as well as those looking for a statement bottle for dinners or gifting.

  • Is Gladiator Shiraz suitable for ageing or best consumed now?

    It can be enjoyed now for its bold fruit, but also has the structure to develop more complexity with short- to mid-term cellaring.

  • Does this wine require decanting before serving?

    Yes—decanting helps open up the aromas and soften the tannins, allowing the wine to show more depth and balance.