Accolades

Ray Jordan – 95 Points

The planets aligned in this season all across the state, especially in the Swan Valley, where the reds show incredible depth and intensity with beautiful aromatic floral notes adding to the appeal. Griffiths has been producing this for a while, and each year it comes up trumps. He uses seasoned American and French oak, which contributes to its richness and structure, while the intensity of the fruit is evident from the outset. Plush blackberry and plum with a subtle raspberry red fruit infusion. Another cracking wine that can age for a fairly long time.

Wine Companion – 93 Points

“Quite the lush red wine. Sweet cherry, choc-raspberry, salted licorice. A big and obvious red of concentration, inkiness and potency with decent balance on hand. There’s perhaps a bit of energy lacking, but the muscular nature of the wine is impressive, and there’s good sense of flavour, spice and fine tannin on hand. Nice one”

🍷 Tasting Notes

• Appearance
  Vibrant red and crimson hues, reflecting the wine’s youth and concentration.

• Aroma
  Ripe blackberries, plums, and blueberries are joined by black pepper, licorice, and a hint of dark chocolate.

• Palate
  Dark fruits of blackberry and blueberry, with mocha, vanilla, and a touch of spice rounding out the flavour profile.

• Finish
  A long, lingering finish, with ripe fruit and a hint of smoky complexity that invites another sip.

🍽️ Food Pairing

• Grilled Meats – Perfect with barbecued lamb, grilled steak, or roasted meats.
• Rich Sauced Dishes – Pairs beautifully with slow-cooked beef or rich, spiced stews.
• Cheese – Try with aged cheddar, Gouda, or a creamy blue cheese to balance its complexity.

🌍 Winemaking & Region

• Region: Swan Valley, WA
• Varietal: Shiraz
• Winemaking Style: Carefully crafted with a medium-bodied palate and integrated oak treatment to enhance the fruit intensity.

🌡️ Serving Temperature

• Best served at 16-18°C to allow the complex aromas and flavours to shine.
  👉 If stored at room temperature (22°C), place the bottle in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

🤔 FAQ Wine Terms

• What does “medium-bodied” mean?
  A medium-bodied wine has a balanced profile, with enough texture and flavour to be satisfying without overwhelming the palate.

• Why does this Shiraz have oak treatment?
  Oak treatment helps add depth and complexity, rounding out the flavours and providing a hint of spice, vanilla, or mocha to the wine.

• What is a “long finish”?
  A long finish means the wine’s flavours linger on your palate after you take a sip, providing a lasting impression of its quality and complexity.

The Faber Vineyard Riche Shiraz 2022 is a perfect expression of the Swan Valley, with its bold fruit flavours and refined structure. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for a few years, this wine offers a luxurious experience that is sure to impress.

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