Curtis Family Vineyards, founded in McLaren Vale in 1973 by Italian immigrant vignerons, has evolved over four generations into one of the regions most respected custodians of old-vine Shiraz. The Ancestor Shiraz sits at the pinnacle of the range, produced only from parcels of dry-grown vines that exceed 80 years of age and yield small crops of naturally concentrated fruit. The 2021 vintage was exceptional, combining warm ripening conditions with cool nights that delivered both richness and clarity. Grapes were hand picked, fermented in small batches to preserve vineyard character, and matured for 24 months in seasoned French and American oak, adding subtle spice and framing structure. The result is a commanding McLaren Vale Shiraz of depth and refinement, layering blackberry, mocha and roasted spice over a seamless tannin backbone. Built for longevity, the Ancestor Shiraz represents both the heritage of the Curtis family and the enduring strength of McLaren Vale old-vine viticulture.