Winemaker Notes
After many border crossings from the Barossa Valley to McLaren Vale, the winemaker found this block of old vine Shiraz that produces a wine that is big, lush and juicy -- but with blueberry and mocha characteristics that set it apart from the black plum and licorice in Barossa reds.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I'm not sure what it says about a Barossa winery when its most striking wine (out of the three provided by the U.S. importer) is a McLaren Vale Shiraz. Tait's 2015 The Border Crossing Shiraz fits right into the house style of full-on ripeness and opulence, but it changes up the fruit profile to yield something brighter, fresher and loaded with cherry and red-berry fruit. Full-bodied, creamy and supple across the mid-palate, with a long, silky-tart finish, it's a fine but different complement to the super bargains delivered by this Barossa-based producer.
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Wine Spectator
A lovely mix of toasted cumin, chicory and nutmeg spiciness is set against a dense and succulent core of blackberry and blueberry flavors, with a thread of vanilla bean. The tannins are dense, yet velvety and smooth, and the finish lingers. Drink now through 2032.
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.