Winemaker Notes
Fruit for the Victorian Shiraz is sourced from several cool climate regions including the Yarra Valley, Heathcote and Bendigo with each region providing complexity to the blend. Yarra Valley Shiraz grown on sedimentary soils around our own Green Point vineyard is typically fragrant and spicy. Heathcote Shiraz grown on the deep red soils of the Mt Camel Range is bright and deeply colored with fresh blackberry flavors. Bendigo Shiraz grown on alluvial soils contributes savory tannins with hints of eucalypt and the inland climate of the northern foothills of the Great Dividing Range provides Shiraz with rich structure.
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.