Winemaker Notes
Linger over a Tahbilk 2008 Shiraz alongside a Lamb Stew or some Meaty Italian Sausages.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Shiraz reveals a deep garnet-purple color and notes of dried plums, blackberry and black cherry preserves and mulberries over chocolate, aniseed, tar and damp earth. Very crisp and full bodied in the mouth, it provides firm, tight-knit tannins and a good amount of black berry and earthy flavors that linger long into the finish. Approachable now, it should drink well to 2016.
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Wine Spectator
This red is supple in texture, as a strong floral, perfumed note weaves through the dark berry and black tea flavors. Finishes with black olive accents, which add depth. Drink now through 2016.
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.