Winemaker Notes
-Wine Spectator
Stephen Pannell, the winemaker in charge of red wines at Chateau Reynella, has reverted to the traditional methods to produce his reds - restored open fermenters that allow maximum control over small batches of individual vineyard fruit. Following fermentation, rejuvenated basket presses delicately extract the wine from the skins without breaking the grape seeds and over-extracting the harsh tannins from the skins. The result is a classic McLaren Vale red wine with loads of rich fruit and soft delicate tannins.
Professional Ratings
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.