Eppalock Ridge Heathcote Shiraz 2005
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Despite carrying a lot of alcohol (16% on the label), this powerful mix of mocha, caramel and stewed berries does a good job of hiding it. At first, it seems soft and creamy in texture, but it turns firmer, chewier and more serious on the finish, adding in a hint of espresso. Opt for drinking this over the near term with grilled beef.
Eppalock Ridge Winery is located in the heart of the Goldmining district in Central Victoria. In 1976 Sue and Rod Hourigan left behind careers in fabric design and television production design at the ABC, to chase their passion for producing fine wine.
The chase led them to McLaren Vale South Australia where Sue found work in the Barn Restaurant. Rod started his apprenticeship at D'Arenburg Winery and over the next 3 years did vintages at Pirramimma and Coriole, gaining invaluable hands on experience. During this time he attended the first short course for winemakers, at what is now called Charles Sturt University, conducted by Brian Croser of Petaluma fame.
In 1979 they moved to Redesdale in the Heathcote district of Central Victoria where they established Eppalock Ridge. The winery and vineyards are perched on a rocky, basalt ridge overlooking Lake Eppalock. The vineyards were planted to Shiraz, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. With the firm belief that premium wine can only be made from the best quality fruit, meticulous attention is payed to the tending of the vines.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Historically some of Australia’s most lucrative gold country, today Heathcote maintains its esteemed reputation as a source of country’s best red wines. The rolling countryside of ancient reddish brown soils bordered by mountain ranges that funnel cool air into the region during the growing season create some of Australia’s most deeply-hued and impressively layered Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.