Winemaker Notes
Although extremely intense, the wine's power is cloaked within its balance and concentration, surging forth as an expansive sensation - the way only the greatest wines can. The 2009 RunRig will greatly reward those with patience.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Polished, ripe and seamless, playing out its layers and layers of dark berry, cherry, black olive and spice flavors on a rich, supple frame. The finish picks up mint and cream notes as it lingers effortlessly. A study in depth and opulence. Shiraz. Drink now through 2025.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 RunRig has no Viognier in it—the only one in the lineup—and incidentally, this bottle I am tasting today has been sealed under screw cap. The decision to exclude Viognier came at the time because the fruit was deemed floral and lifted enough without the addition. Today, the wine certainly has delicacy and floral character that fits with the style of the cuvée, however it is certainly quite different from its peers. Texturally, the screw cap closure has tightened the tannins, which remain closed and tightly wound. The thinking around reds under screw cap is that, with time and air, the wine will gain the textural softness that a natural cork can provide. The answer might be a little more nuanced than simply, "cork over screw cap" (or vice versa).
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.”
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.