Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Shiraz gives a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of warm blackberries, black raspberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cumin seeds, plus a whiff of star anise. Crisp acid and a medium level of rounded tannins structure the generously fruited, full bodied palate, giving a long harmonious finish. It is ideal for drinking now if you enjoy primary freshness, or cellar to 2016 for a less fruity, spicier expression.
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Wine Spectator
Supple in texture and generous in flavor, with cherry and spice notes playing against mineral character as the medium-weight finish folds them all together. Drink now through 2016.
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.