Wines Barossa Valley Hentley Farm - Clos Otto

Hentley Farm’s Cuvée Clos Otto is a red wine originating from Australia’s famed Barossa Valley, located in South Australia. Whilst this wine does not state a vintage, and the precise varietal blend remains undefined, it is typical for producers in this appellation to work predominantly with Shiraz for premium expressions, although blends and other varietals can accompany. Hentley Farm is well-renowned for their focus on vineyard expression and hand-crafted wines, often vinifying batches separately to preserve the unique qualities of their site before masterfully blending. Their reds, especially those released under the Clos Otto designation, are usually known for their intensity, concentration, and capacity to age gracefully, shaped by gentle extraction and maturing in quality oak.

The Barossa Valley is one of the most historic and celebrated wine regions in Australia. Its warm Mediterranean climate, marked by warm summers and relatively mild winters, is ideal for ripening robust red grapes, particularly Shiraz, which has become the region’s flagship style. Soils here are highly variable, ranging from red-brown earths on the slopes to sandy loams and heavier clays closer to the valley floor. This natural diversity fosters wines of great depth and plushness. The region’s winemaking heritage, deeply influenced by early European settlers, has cultivated a distinctive local identity—rich, ripe, and full-bodied reds with complexity and balance are the norm.

A wine of this style calls for hearty fare. Traditional pairings from the region, such as slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary, barbecued ribeye steak, or braised beef in a rich jus, would be superb. The wine’s structure and depth can stand up to robust dishes, while its fruit-driven character will complement spiced or char-grilled foods beautifully.

To enjoy this Barossa red at its finest, serve at 16-18°C. If cellared, decanting an hour before serving will help open its bouquet and soften any youthful tannins, allowing you to savour the full expression of the Clos Otto experience.