Winemaker Notes
Color: Deep brick red.
Nose: Generous, warm climate Shiraz is immediately apparent - mirrored by rich Christmas pudding, plum and cherry aromas. Spice and demi-glace secondary notes add to the aromatic interest. Flashes of liquorice, white chocolate and cinnamon arise with a swirl.
Palate: Medium-bodied and mouth filling, plummy, berried fruits mesh with dark chocolate, mocha and spice notes. The 2003 Bin 28 is true to its fleshy, well structured style with ripe tannins and balanced acidity.
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.