Winemaker Notes
The O’Riada is a quintessential Canberra Shiraz, fully charged with spice, floral notes and ripe red fruits. Pairs effortlessly with grilled New York strip steak, beef wellington, or a savory pork roast.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
From the celebrated estate that put the Canberra region on the map, this quintessentially cool climate Shiraz is plump and aromatic. It wafts appealing aromas of cherry, strawberries and cream and hibiscus with autumnal undertones of damp earth and leaves and peppery spice. The tingly acidity on the palate washes over the tongue, and chiseled, sinewy tannins tighten up the fleshy fruit, florals and spice. A tightrope of power and elegance, this drinks well now with protein at hand, or could cellar until 2035 or so.
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James Suckling
A beautifully fresh and sapid style that has plenty of fresh-ground spice and cracked pepper, across violets, blackcurrants, blackberries and dark plums. The palate adds a little espresso to this array of dark berries and spice. The tannins are smoothly layered and carry a smooth, fleshy finish.
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Wine Spectator
This has an appealing savory note, with accents of salumi, mineral and dried herbs to complement the core of dried berry, plum and spices. Reveals black tea, accents of clove and muscular tannins that linger on the long finish.
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.”
A picturesque region brimming with energetic producers, Canberra’s boutique wineries are set among a backdrop of the Snowy Mountains. Similar to its northern neighbors of Hilltops and Orange, Canberra has an extreme continental climate with a hot, dry growing season and cold winters. The region produces outstanding Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir and is under a new wave of innovative young winemakers unafraid to explore alternative varieties.