Winemaker Notes
The Malakoff vineyard, in central western Victoria, is situated on an eastern facing slope of Australia's Pyrenees Mountains. The vineyard receives optimum sun exposure and is located in the center of the prized Shiraz growing region. The soil profile is remarkably similar to that of France's northern Rhône Valley and the area's climate is ideal for growing superior quality Shiraz.
Color: Intense and profound red.
Aroma: Complex with black fruit aroma (blackcurrant and blueberries); some chocolate and toasty notes.
Taste: Explosive fruit and concentrated flavor. Very round structure balances the tight, but jammy tannins. A blockbuster to drink during its first 7-10 years.
Professional Ratings
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.”
Nestled into the tip of its southeastern coastline, Victoria is Australia’s smallest mainland state, second most populous and third largest wine producer. Victoria includes the cool regions of Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong, made famous mainly by impressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The more inland Heathcote and Bendigo lead the way for complex and textured, full-bodied reds. Rutherglen’s fortified wines compete among the best on the planet.