Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 1997
Winemaker Notes
A further expression of our philosophy is to be found in the diversity of our viticulture, where science and art come together to ensure the wine has rich and balanced flavours. All our Estate wines are complex and harmonious blends of a number of varieties from many different blocks within our vineyards.
The marriage of unique terrior and skilled assemblage is really the heart and soul of Blue Pyrenees Estate wines.
Though Syrah originated in the Rhône Valley of France, Australia is home to the oldest Syrah (called Shiraz here) vines on the planet. Found in Australia’s Barossa Valley, where phylloxera has never threated viticulture, these ancient vines are between 140 to 175 years old!
Having brought fame and merit to the country’s wine scene since the early 1950s, namely via the debut of Penfolds Grange, today Syrah (Shiraz) claims rank as the most widely planted grape in Australia. In fact, the amount of land dedicated to Shiraz in Australia is now almost equivalent to what it is in France. Australian Shiraz has its own personality with flavors and aromas of intense blackberry, fruitcake, menthol, tobacco leaf and umami. Conveniently one can find great Australian Shiraz at a variety of price points but the very best will be dense, gloriously complex and capable of long aging.