Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Pizza Friendly? Sure is, although the initials designate preservative free winemaking so no additives at all in this wine. Winemaker Peter Fraser (PF) states that he harvested on grape pH numbers and hence the lower than usual alcohol for McLaren vale shiraz at just 12.5%. It's a revelation of sorts, as the wine looks complete and really fresh, bursting with black fruits and gently earthy, liquorice and spice. notes. The flavors are all here too, plenty of dark plum, more liquorice, black cherry and raspberry.
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.