McLaren Vale 14.5% Screwcap $26 Source: Sample
I thought the Pinot Gris from the Saint & Sinner range was a pretty good wine. 2007 was a tough vintage in McLaren Vale so I lowered my expectations before I looked at the Shiraz. Unfortunately I didn’t lower them enough…
The wine smells of varnish, lipstick, prunes and currants, all smothered in vanilla custard. It pricks the nose and not in a pleasant manner. The palate is all dead fruit and spiky, disjointed acid. Tannins are fat and unyielding. New American oak sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb.
I can’t help but add that I really don’t like this being labeled as ‘Syrah’ not ‘Shiraz’. I know that’s part of the marketing but it isn’t going to help consumers understand different stylistic interpretations of the grape. Syrah should be more elegant with less focus on bold primary fruit. This is entirely bereft of those characteristics.
There’s not a lot of pleasure on offer here full stop.
Winery website- http://www.saintandsinner.com.au/
I don't think that 'syrah' need necessarily have less focus on primary fruit, indeed it may be more primary fruit focussed, it's just the flavours occur earlier in the ripeness spectrum, and the wines are more (naturally) vibrant.
Hazzyk – fair enough. I had meant to emphasise the word 'bold' in 'bold primary fruit'. 'Bold' as in 'big' and generally 'alcoholic'. Whatever the case, I can't see anyone arguing that the above wine, or my description of it, fits the 'syrah' label.
My absolute pet hate at the minute is ripe, ripe wines (such as this one) that then have just reckless acid addiction. I cannot abide it. It ensures the wine is disjointed, and makes any sense of balance impossible. And it's just a lazy Australian winemaking fallback, hunting out pH 3.5. It is a fault, and should be treated as so, and judged accordingly.
sounds like it could have a bit of v.a? pricked on the nose? doesn't sound very pleasant anyway. better luck next time guys
Cam- yes,it's the sort of wine making that gives some critics of Australian wines more ammunition. I'm not against the addition of acid (although I'm interested in wines that eschew that approach too) but it has to be done thoughtfully and with care.
AndyPat- I'd say that there were VA issues with this wine. I just generally prefer to use the descriptor varnish or nail polish as code for that particular problem
HI,
I have 4 botttles left from a 6 pack I recently brought, the raisins, spice and balance of oak work well for me, when I near the end of the bottle the berries and plums keep me singing for more.
I fortunatley don't see VA, @ $24.00 for a McLaren Vale I could not walk away from it! I have on order the Caberent (can't wait)….
Wine Stig…