Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Shiraz comes from 40-year-old vines located in Langhorne Creek. Deep garnet-purple colored, it begins with some reduction notes that soon give way to intense blackberry and warm black cherry notes with some black pepper, a pinch of dried Mediterranean herbs and a whiff of loam. The full bodied palate is a little tight with firm, fine tannins, crisp acid and restrained fruit that will probably need another six months to blossom. It has a good, long finish. Drink it 2012 to 2017.
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.