Winemaker Notes
Vibrant crimson red with purple hues. A perfumed lift of raspberry, wild cherry, black olive with a hint of floral notes and violets balanced with a delicate dusting of cinnamon and vanillin spice. French oak influence is sophisticated and contributes without being overwhelming. Medium bodied wine with plum, blueberry and cherry fruit characters. The mid palate has a velvety generosity. Lightly rounded silky tannins offer great length and deliver a smooth velvety finish.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A bright array of ripe red to dark plums and berries here with nicely placed, spicy oak. The palate has soft, velvety texture and smooth and easy dark-fruit flavors.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.