Tasting Notes 🍇

Colour – Deep, vivid crimson with a dark ruby core.

Aromas – Blackberry, dark cherry, and tobacco leaf, underscored by hints of clove, panforte and earthy spice.

Palate – A plush, fruit-driven core of ripe berries balanced with savoury undertones. Medium-bodied with exceptional length, polish and balance.

Finish – Long, velvety and earthy with beautifully integrated tannins and subtle oak.

Food Pairings 🍴

• Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder – Complements the wine’s savoury depth and texture.

• Beef Wellington – Matches the wine’s luxurious feel and refined oak structure.

• Charred Eggplant with Middle Eastern Spices – Highlights the subtle spice and herbal nuances.

• Aged Gouda or Manchego – Bold cheeses elevate the Shiraz’s depth and richness.

Reviews & Awards 🌟

95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion
“A refined, medium-bodied affair with flair of dark cherry and blackberry… emery board-like tannins, lift and glide. Striking for its finesse despite its depth. A touch of excitement in its individuality.”

Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
“I’m happy to go on record as saying I think Faber Reserve Shiraz is one of the best and most distinctive Shiraz wines produced in Australia.”

Winemaking & Vintage Notes 🍷

Vintage – 2022 was superb in the Swan Valley, with excellent autumn–spring rainfall and a warm, dry summer resulting in perfect ripening conditions.

Winemaking – Hand-harvested Shiraz was fermented and matured for 22 months in new French oak hogsheads. The best barrels were selected and hand bottled in January 2023.

Maturation – 22 months in new French oak hogsheads.

Storage & Serving Tips 🧊

• Serving Temperature – 16–18°C

• Storage – Store in a cool, dark place around 14°C for optimal ageing.

• Decanting – Recommended for at least 30–60 minutes prior to serving when young.

FAQ 🤔

❓ Why is this wine so limited?
Faber’s vineyard Shiraz plantings are reasonably small, and only the best barrels from the estate go into the Reserve Shiraz – making it a rare release every year.

❓ What makes Swan Valley Shiraz unique?
Unlike the bold, hot-climate styles of the east, Swan Valley Shiraz often shows elegance, freshness and savoury restraint due to careful vineyard management and winemaking.

❓ Is this a good wine to cellar?
Absolutely. It has the tannin, fruit concentration, and oak integration to evolve beautifully over 10 years.

Additional Info 📋

• Grape Variety – 100% Shiraz

• Region – Swan Valley, Western Australia

• Alcohol – Approx. 14.5% ABV

• Cellaring Potential – 10+ years

• Closure – Cork

• Maturation – 22 months in new French oak hogsheads

Learn About Faber Vineyard

Faber Vineyard in the Swan Valley is fast becoming one of the region’s most prestigious. 11 acres was planted by John & Jane in 1998-2000 and in 2016-2017. Three quarters of the vines are Shiraz, Verdelho and Brown Muscat, the balance Petit Verdot and Chardonnay.

Faber Vineyard was established in 1997 by John Griffiths and Jane Micallef. “Faber” is derived from the Latin word for “craft.” This name was chosen because they perceive winemaking as an art, a skill that is continuously honed but never truly perfected.

Before settling in the Swan Valley, John Griffiths spent ten years mastering the craft of creating highly enjoyable wines in warm climates. Recognising the Swan Valley’s unique ability to yield delicate, refined white wines, robust red wines with generous flavours and longevity, and sumptuously rich liqueur styles, he was drawn to the region. As he refined his winemaking prowess, he delved into the established grape varieties and wine styles that boasted over a century of development and triumph in the Swan Valley.

The Swan Valley delivers wonderful ripe fruit, warm and concentrated flavours and soft tannins. Faber has structured wines that are flavoursome and drinkable, with the ability to develop and improve in bottle. The approach to winemaking is simple and uncomplicated – starting with outstanding fruit quality, attention to detail, and literally hand making all our wines.

Read the latest Ray Jordan Faber Wine Reviews Here

Swan Valley Wine Region

Historical Roots:

The roots of winemaking in the Swan Valley trace back to the early 19th century when European settlers recognised the region’s potential for viticulture. The Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters, provided an ideal environment for cultivating grapes. Italian and Croatian immigrants, in particular, played a pivotal role in establishing the first vineyards and wineries, introducing their traditional winemaking techniques to the fertile soils of the Swan Valley. The first vines were planted in 1829, making the Swan Valley Australia’s second oldest wine growing region. For the next 150 years, it was WA’s only wine region. And it is still the only wine region in the world, within a 25-minute drive of a major capital city.

Soil and Climate:

The Swan Valley’s terroir is shaped by its unique combination of soils and climate. The soil is predominantly sandy loam, providing excellent drainage for the vines. The warm climate, moderated by the nearby Indian Ocean, creates an optimal grape-growing environment. These factors contribute to the distinct characteristics of Swan Valley wines, marked by bold flavours and a vibrant acidity. Winter generally receives 550-700mm of rain per annum, with the majority falling from June to September. Climate pattens found on the East Coast like El Nino and La Nina have little influence on the region. Instead, winter and spring rain is effected by another climate driver called ‘SAM’ or Southern Annual Mode. Put simply this is the Low Pressure systems that hug Antarctica get pushed further North increasing rain to Southern parts of Western Australia.

You can learn more about this climate driver here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/sam/

Changes Over the Last 50 Years:

The past century has witnessed significant changes in the Swan Valley’s winemaking landscape. Technological advancements, changes in viticultural practices, and evolving consumer preferences have influenced the types of grapes grown and the styles of wine produced. The shift towards sustainable and organic practices is also evident, reflecting a commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Current Trends and Future Directions:

In recent years, Swan Valley wineries have embraced innovation while honouring traditional winemaking techniques. Boutique wineries, in particular, are gaining popularity, offering visitors a more intimate and personalised tasting experience. The region is also witnessing a surge in the production of alternative varieties, catering to a diverse range of palates. As the global wine industry evolves, Swan Valley remains at the forefront of quality and innovation

You can read the latest Swan Valley wine reviews HERE