Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2004 Syrah Piggott Range (from 40-year-old vines) requires 3-4 years of cellaring. This is a powerful, intense Syrah meant for true connoisseurs who have cold cellars as well as enough patience to wait it out. A perfume of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blackberries, roasted coffee, pepper, spice, bacon fat, and a subtle touch of eucalyptus is followed by a deep, rich, full-bodied wine that should age for 20-25 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
Boasts a slightly lifted character to the aromas, but also shadings of Asian spice and espresso. This is supple on the palate and dark-fruited, with bold flavors of prune-plum and coffee and a long, firm finish that demands cellaring. Drink 2008–2020.
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Wine Spectator
Dense, rich and distinctive for its mint-scented cherry and roasted meat flavors that hang together tightly in the meaty texture and linger on the finish. Has impressive depth that is held in by firm tannins that need some time to soften. Best from 2010 through 2020. 500 cases imported.
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.