Winemaker Notes
Color: Brick red with a deep purple hues. Aroma: Magnificent, complex aromas of licorice, black cherry, plums and spearmint are complemented by traces of cedary oak and leather. Palate: A well-balanced palate featuring rich plum flavours balanced by aniseed, mocha and spicy black pepper. The palate finishes long with supple tannins and superbly integrated cinnamon oak flavours. Recommended Cellaring: Great to drink now, but will mature and develop complexity over the next 2 to 5 years. Serving Suggestions: A full bodied red that will accompany richly flavoured red meat dishes.
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.