My palate memory tells me that the 2010 Voyager Estate Shiraz showed more poise and elegance than this follow-up. I wasn’t overly taken with it in the Voyager Masterclass earlier this year and my opinion hasn’t changed that much after sitting with it for two days.
The fruit seems sweeter and a touch flat – which might attract certain types that have shied away from Magaret River Shiraz in the past but leaves me cold. Bay leaf, clove and pepper accompany the red and black berry/currant fruit. Gravelly texture from the mid-palate on courtesy of bitter tannins which lack finesse. Medium-bodied. Far from a failure but I can’t go beyond a bronze medal. 88
Region: Margaret River
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure Screwcap
Price: $38
Tasted: December 2013
I’m not a huge fan of Margaret River shiraz, I don’t dislike them but I’d prefer a Great Western shiraz. Maybe it is time I gave a Margaret River shiraz a whirl? Any recommendations Jeremy ? Cheers
Sorry Great Western would be a Grampians Region Shiraz. I can’t go past them
The 2010 Voyager Estate Shiraz was a good’un. Otherwise I’d look towards Cape Mentelle, Xanadu and Juniper. Evans & Tate do well for the price too. All best approached with an open mind – don’t expect Grampians, McLaren Vale, Yarra, Barossa etc
Cape Mentelle, Evans & Tate Redbrook, recent Leeuwin Art Series, A Voyager in years other than this one, would make a decent start.
No need for the grape over there. Pull up the vines.
Both you and Tony would have a far better idea of the public demand for Margaret River Shiraz than I do Rich. I enjoy the better expressions although it’s probably worth adding – the number of Margaret River Shiraz wines I have purchased in the past year? None. The number of Margaret River Shiraz wines in my cellar? None. The same can’t be said for Margaret River Chardonnay and ‘Bordeaux’ varieties or blends.
Yes, we’ve sold F A, but that’s mostly because I don’t buy much for UC. Tony would have interesting insight in to interest and sales from the masses…
I’m the same as you Jeremy. I’m all for no rules in wine – different styles from different places is great. But I’ve never bought one and don’t look at my cellar wishing I had some or any. There’s a reason they plant specific varieties, and don’t plant specific varieties, in the different appellations of Europe..
Agree.
You could probably make good Chardonnay and cool climate Shiraz on the left bank, but that’s not the deal. If we had the same rigidity here, you wouldn’t have Shiraz in Margaret River. Notice how all the above suggested Shiraz makers are actually known for a stonking Cabernet based wine?
The “masses” will drink what is good, regardless of where its from. But Margaret River Shiraz is mainly found in the fine wine racks. Really good ones tick over. But none cause a real stir. The exception being of course in the very patriotic WA market.