Winemaker Notes
While it's obviously a healthy, squeaky-clean presentation of young Shiraz, this is also a glass full of joy and laughter. It's bright and stimulating, but not light in any way other than mood - its tannins will see it cellar longer than, say, any nouveau Beaujolais, but as a young wine it's just as carefree in attitude. It's intense, dark and perhaps like fresh soft liquorice in a way. This is pure, audacious, open-hearted fun.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lifted nose of ripe fruit, flower, fresh leather and tar follow through a tight and concentrated center palate of dark fruits and a ultra-fine tannins. Linear and very fine grained. Impressive. Better in 2020.
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.