It’s a sign of the honesty and forthrightness of winemaker Rory Lane that his 2011 entry-level Shiraz is named “Tempest”. The label displays people walking along a jetty with umbrellas under the pouring rain. It was that kind of year for many in Australia and the Grampians didn’t escape the storm. Only one single vineyard Shiraz, the Garden Gully, will be released from the vintage with the rest of the fruit being declassified into this wine. The result is highly drinkable and whilst true to its origins it manages to traverse the season well.
A little more dilute than previous offerings and the nose has a cool herbal twang but there’s enough plum and blueberry to balance things nicely. Some choc mint slice on a medium bodied palate that’s a touch stalky. A savoury piece of work with more pepper than you’ve probably seen in any Grampians Shiraz before. Overall, it’s elegant in a slightly mulchy sort of way. I’ll be interested to see how it develops with more time in the bottle. Good
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $25
Tasted: June 2012