2008 The Story Rice’s Vineyard Shiraz

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Jeremy Pringle

Grampians 14.5% Screwcap $45 Source- Retail

Wine is a funny thing.  Objectively, this is my my least favourite of the three excellent releases from The Story’s 2008 vintage.  But I was planning on cooking a rib eye on the bone, accompanied by Swiss Brown mushrooms and potatoes so I thought I’d grab it as it’s a touch heavier on the palate (Rice’s is a warmer site than Westgate) and I was after a chocolate oak fix.

Of course, it was a clever choice.  I am a clever man.  To the wine; fresh blackberries, red fruit, rich dark chocolate and spice.  Sound simple?  Well there’s 30-40% whole bunches adding wildness, a hint of stalk and extra structure.  The acidity is faultless.  Prominent tannins too, but of the highest order.  I’m not in the mood to talk about complexity, although there is a significant amount here.  I bought this because I knew it tasted delicious and whilst it can be cellared, with a decant it’s drinking well already.  It worked a treat with my simple but indulgent dinner. Really, really good wine.  Only 50 cases produced.  There you go. (By the way, it’s the bottle on the far right)

Winery website- http://thestorywines.blogspot.com/

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4 Responses to 2008 The Story Rice’s Vineyard Shiraz

  1. Geoff Garratt says:
    June 27, 2014 at 3:52 pm

    Jeremy, you have obviously tasted the Westgate 2008 but I can’t locate the review. Is it available?

  2. Jeremy Pringle says:
    June 27, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    Geoff – Unfortunately, while I have tasted it, I have no note. The wine was never sent to me as a sample and oft times I relish the opportunity to taste/drink without either an analytical or evaluative hat on. If I receive a sample then it is, I believe, only ethical to taste thoroughly and in a certain manner…but if I’ve purchased a wine I have a choice. It’s been a while since I tasted the 2008 Westgate Shiraz – I wish I could share some of my thoughts but I don’t feel that my limited recollection justifies any description. My apologies for being of no real help on this occasion.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

  3. Geoff Garratt says:
    June 27, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Thanks for that, Jeremy.
    I think the Westgate is still a bit of a “coiled spring”; yet to evolve, while the Rice’s is opulent and right in the zone. Very different styles out of the Westgate and Rice’s vineyards.
    Best
    Geoff

  4. Jeremy Pringle says:
    June 27, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    Sounds very much like my experience and understanding of the vineyards over time Geoff.

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