Winemaker Notes
This spicy Shiraz from the vineyards of Central Victoria is brightened by a boost of Viognier for aroma and balance, as is often practiced in France's most highly regarded appellation of the Northern Rhône Valley, Cote Rotie. The grapes grown in this Australian vineyard were planted on 19th century French rootstocks, another nod to French tradition and influence in this new world wine. This wine is a collaborative effort between two renowned wine families: Chapoutier from the Rhône Valley in France, and the Terlato family of Napa Valley in California.
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.