Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Owned by Yabby Lake Group, this vineyard is located next to Jasper Hill’s 'Emily's Paddock.' Matured 18 months in predominately French oak (10% American), 30% new, this full-bodied 2006 Shiraz gives a very deep garnet color and black cherry and blackberry aromas with a little menthol, mace and pepper. The richness of fruit on the palate is nicely offset by crisp acid and textured with a medium level of rounded tannins. The finish is long and peppery. Ready to drink now, this wine should keep to 2017+.
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.