Winemaker Notes
Blood plum in hue, the nose of the Brash 16 SHZ is brooding with black plums, chorizo, blood orange zest, spicy paprika, nutmeg and liquorice. There's a sweet earthy note that is typical of Omensetter Vineyard's red clay. The palate is generous, well-balanced and smooth, the tannins integrated, and the finish long with complex, interweaving berry and spice notes.
Professional Ratings
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PinotReport
A wonderful shiraz that shows copper, iodine, tile, blackberries, dried meat, blueberries, cinnamon and vanilla. The tannins are so polished on this medium-to full-bodied red, which is very precise in its delivery of vibrant dark berries. Lively but serious.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another estate-grown wine, the 2016 Site Specific SHZ comes from the winery's home vineyard and was made with 20% whole bunches. It has distinctive aromas of orange zest, smoked meat and blueberries, a full-bodied, velvety mouthfeel and hints of licorice and pepper on the long, slightly warm finish. It's nicely complex and savory overall, just be sure to serve it on the cool side.
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.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.