Dangalaba shiraz
The idea
Dangalaba wine is the brainchild of Stuart Robb a proud Larrakia and Torres Strait Islander man who grew up in the Adelaide Hills. From an early age he had a passion for art and entrepreneurial flair, later developing a passion for wine. After years of flirting with the idea (and perhaps with delusions grandeur after a few glasses of wines) the idea for Dangalaba was hatched. Stuart teamed up with a childhood friend turned Barossa Valley winemaker Sven Joschke to create Dangalaba.
In 2024 Stuart partnered with family Donna Odegaard to grow the business.
the wine
Dangalaba is limited Edition 2022 Barossa Valley Dangalaba Shiraz
Fruit was grown and sourced from the infamous Krondorf region in the Barossa Valley. Sandy loam features heavily in this area which displays minerality, fruit yet delicacy. The grower maintains natural sequence farming practices but responsibly recognises the need to step in if and only when required. The 2021/22 growing season favoured this site with minimum disease pressure and moderate yields. Lofi vinification with indigenous yeast and zero adds, fruit was fermented on skins at low temperature for 15 days, pressed to tank and settled, then racked to barrel - 80% neutral French Oak, 20% second use Hungarian oak for a little kick. Aged in barrels for 10 months, minimal sulphur added on bottling and no fining or filtration.
The wine displays a refreshing mineral quality for Barossa Shiraz, bordering a Syrah. Bone dry, elegant spice with a fruit vibrancy makes this wine complex. Floral violets, aromatic purple notes with savoury soft tannis and don’t forget the blueberry hints. A little tension too which wont make the bottle last long. Bone dry with fruit carrying the wine to a lengthy finish.
The Label
Having a love of art, design and wanting to pay hommage to his rich cultural heritage Stuart designed the label.
‘Dangalaba’ means crocodile in Larrakia and is the totem of the saltwater people, traditional owners of the Darwin (NT) region.
Dangalaba shiraz brings together one of the oldest continuing cultures, a culture that is intrinsically connected to country and custodianship with viticulture, a culture that also has an integral connection to country.
Dangalaba wine is an Indigenous owned business.