Winemaker Notes
Just wait till you taste this wine! Sarah and Sparky blended it last week. They let me have a taste after they had decided on the blend. I couldn't believe it. There were 3 major components, but the blend was exponentially better than any of them. I don't understand how that happens. It had the best features of all three of the components – depth and complexity from one, velvety unctuousness from another, intensity and color from the third, and then a something extra - a life force of its own. Magic!
We are so happy to be able to bring you this new wine, which we believe is a great wine at an affordable price, perfect for celebrating, sharing with friends, or relishing on your own.
The grapes for this wine come from Scott and Cheryl Longbottom's and Darren and Belinda Joppich's vineyards.
Professional Ratings
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.