Winemaker Notes
"One of Barossa Valley's well-known winemakers, Rod Chapman, fashions the wines at Ross Estate, located in the Lynedoch sector. The 2003 Shiraz, aged in largely neutral hogsheads with a small dosage of new American oak, exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a nose of black fruits intermixed with underbrush, pepper, and wood. Straighforward, chunky, and fleshy, this enjoyable Shiraz will provide pleasure over the next 4-5 years."
-The Wine Advocate
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.