Back when it was Shiraz Viognier…
The label clearly states “Adelaide” as the growing region, so I’ll go with that. The ‘Piebald’ used to be labelled Shiraz Viognier but now it carries the name Syrah. I’m not so fond of the re-naming. If the use of Syrah rather than Shiraz is to have any relevance in Australian wine then surely we are looking for wines with more elegance and finesse than this. I’d also be willing to bet that there’s still Viognier in it. Sure smells and tastes like it.
A simple, hedonic nose of plums, prunes and blackberries with hints of stone fruits. There’s oak here but it’s mostly sopped up. This is fruit forward. Jammy even. Alcohol thins the palate and it tapers unpersuasively through the back-end. Some salted chocolate, licorice and spice attempts to add interest. A big gobful of sweet flavour on the front palate. That’s what you’re paying for and that’s what you get. 86 Average
Region: Adelaide
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $27
Tasted: September 2012