Seppeltsfield Para Rare Tawny (15 Year Old) NV

Stuart McCloskey, tasted 27 May 2026 "The colour alone is so inviting. Deep mahogany at the core with shimmering amber, olive and burnt copper hues dancing toward the rim. The viscosity is extraordinary - the wine slowly clings to the glass and doesn’t let go… The aromatics are hypnotic with endless waves of walnut, antique furniture polish, old mahogany, espresso bean, treacle tart, dark toffee, burnt orange peel, Medjool date, cinnamon, clove and pipe tobacco emerge effortlessly from the glass. Then come the more elusive notes… old leather-bound books, polished cedar, Christmas pudding, roasted pecan, cacao along with a beautifully judged spirited lift which brings freshness and energy rather than heat. The palate is concentrated, yet never remotely heavy. The texture is silk-like - seamless, layered and beautifully composed. Waves of caramelised nuts, fig, molasses, raisin, citrus oil and roasted coffee glide effortlessly across the palate before being lifted by remarkable freshness and acidity.  The finish simply does not end… Minutes later, flavours of walnut, dark caramel, orange zest, and exotic spice continue to echo quietly across the palate. Served gently chilled and, if possible, from Zalto Universal stems (or similar) - these wines demand room to swirl and breathe. Please avoid old-school tiny Port glasses which suffocate both the aromatics and overall experience."

Para has been synonymous with luxurious fortified wine for over a century, with the iconic insignia being the name of the river that meanders through the Barossa landscape. The Seppeltsfield Para Rare Tawny has a minimum average of 15 years blended age, and therefore falls into the Australian Fortified Classification category of Rare which is a mature style exhibiting complex aromatic, and remarkable palate length. 

Para Rare Tawny is made through careful blending of individual vintage parcels to achieve a minimum average of 15 years blended age. This style is distinguished by two key elements: selected aged Tawny material known for its richness and complexity, balanced with the addition of Rich Rare Apera through careful blending. Matured in seasoned old oak hogsheads results in a sophisticated Para Rare Tawny with aromatic spices and an impressive palate length.