Writers Paul Clancy & Peter Fuller and their families arrived in the Barossa in the 1980's when the famous wine region was undergoing a rebirth - a time when old vineyards were being rescued from a destructive vine pull and the region was beginning to be acknowledged by the world for its uniquely rich Shiraz & Grenache.
They were fortunate enough to purchase farms which had been settled by two pioneering families - the Nitschkes at Jacob's Creek and the Hueppauffs at Bethany - who had arrived from Silesia (now Poland) in the 1840's. Many may not know that Australia's Barossa Valley has a strong German influence dating back to the Silesian migrants who farmed the valley, thus giving the area the unique culture.
The old vines which survived, some more than 120 yrs old, are a legacy to these families.
Silesian Wine Co. was formed in 1994, teamed with winemakers, Robert O'Callaghan & Chris Ringland. They experimented with the blend until 1998 when they settled on a Grenache / Shiraz (Scribblers) & a Shiraz / Cabernet (Silesian).
The Silesian comprises a higher proportion of carefully selected old vine fruit and receives longer barrel and bottle maturation than Scribblers. Both wines are matured in new and second use 100% French oak.

Shiraz/Grenache Scribblers
?Scribblers? is a blend of 88% Grenache and 12% Shiraz, and the name refers to the profession of the two men behind the Silesian Wine Company. The fruit that went into 1998 ?Scribblers? is grown on 80-year-old vines which average between one and one-and-a-half tons to the acre. 18 months? maturation in 100% French oak (a mixture of new and used) has interlaced the wine with subtle cigar-box oak characters, beautifully complementing the pepper and fresh fruit ripeness of the Grenache and Shiraz. Acid and tannin are in harmony with the fruit, contributing a clean mouthfeel and a dry finish. This wine is drinking superbly now. Total production: 200 cases.
1998 $24.99
"The 1998 Scribblers, an ancient vine blend of 88% Grenache and 12% Shiraz aged in primarily used French oak, is a stunning effort. Aromas of chocolate, earth, kirsch liqueur, and exotic flowers are followed by a full-bodied, dense red that tastes nearly sweet because of the abundant glycerin. This limited cuvee (200 cases) should be drunk over the next 5-7 years." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #148

Shiraz/Cabernet
1998 $42.99
"Exhibiting a deep plum/ruby color, the 1998 Silesian is a blend of 80% Shiraz (120-year old vines) and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon (30-year old vines) aged 18 months in 100% French oak (about 20% new). Low yields of 1 to 1.5 tons of fruit per acre have resulted in a backward, concentrated, impressive offering not yet revealing all it possesses. Aromas of bacon fat, cassis, blackberries, and white flowers as well as a hint of tar reluctantly emerge from the bouquet. Layered, full-bodied, and concentrated, but still primary and backward, it requires coaxing as well as bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018." 92 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
1999 $44.99
"The full bodied, concentrated, well structured 1999 exhibits wonderfully ripe, sweet black cherry and black currant fruit characteristics interwoven with earth and vanilla. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from 120 year old vines and the Shiraz from a 30 year old vineyard. It was aged in both new and used French hogs heads for 20-22 months prior to being bottled unfiltered." 92+ Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155

A Grateful Palate Selection