Winemaker Notes
Not your blockbuster warm-climate Aussie Shiraz, this is a more elegant example reminiscent of violets, pink peppercorns, nutmeg and caramelized quince and mulberries. The palate is restrained, offering fruit compote with slightly meaty undertones. This wine is closer in resemblance to Syrah's from the Rhone Valley in France than the rich and chewy Shiraz's that are more typical in Australia. Enjoy with roasted vegetables, panzanella salad, hearty stews, ribs, steak, and flavorful cheeses. Enjoy now through 2014.
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.