Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
15+yo vines, hand-picked and sorted, 4% viognier co-fermented in open tanks, 20-22 days on skins, matured for 18 months in French oak (25% new). A very elegant shiraz reflecting its modest alcohol, the moderating effect of viognier, and gentle winemaking extraction. Spicy red fruits are already supple, and the balance of oak and tannins can't be faulted. Shortly put, it could be drunk tomorrow.
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.”
Comprised mainly of boutique, family-owned and operated wineries, Geelong is one of the cool coastal wine-growing regions of the Port Phillip Zone of Victoria. Here the elevation and proximity to sea breezes—similar to Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and the southern part of Gippsland—allow the region to produce remarkably vivid Chardonnay Pinot Noir. The elegant Shiraz wines from Geelong also attract attention.