Category Archives: Shiraz et al

2013 Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier

There’s no mistaking it as anything other than a Shiraz Viognier but if you have any time for the blend in cool climates then I urge you not to write it off. Incorporation of whole bunches and 5% Viagra…I mean … Continue reading

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2011 Topper’s Mountain Red Earth Child

After a one year hiatus when the folks at Topper’s Mountain forgot to make a 2010 version, the Red Earth child is back. Vigneron Mark Kirkby presents the intent behind the wine in three parts. Firstly, to make the best … Continue reading

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2010 Cradle of Hills Cabernet Shiraz

A dense, full-bodied wine. 80% Cabernet, 20% Shiraz. A touch too warm for my tastes but that aside it has a lot going for it. Cassis over plums, choc-licorice bullets, a velvet mouth-feel and good length. The powerful fruit has … Continue reading

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2009 Henry’s Drive Shiraz Cabernet

The great Australian blend, this time from Padthaway. Not a great example unfortunately. Hot, hollow and spirity. Full-bodied. Plum pudding, mint, vanilla custard and spice. Shrill acidity. Hard work. 81 Region: Padthaway Alcohol: 14.5% Closure: Screwcap Price: $35 Tasted: February … Continue reading

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2012 Les Courtilles Cotes Du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu

Another more than handy import from Fourth Wave Wines. Half Grenache, half Syrah. Sweet raspberry over plums, tar, herbs and licorice. Spicy. Avoids any overt jaminess and is far from a heavy wine. Good interplay between sweet and savoury characters, … Continue reading

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2012 Teusner The Garden of Earthly Pleasures Shiraz Grenache

An Aldi Liquor online exclusive and perhaps a nod to Hieronymus Bosch? “For he spake and it was done; he commanded and it stood fast”. Perhaps not Kym Teusner and company’s most ambitious work but quite stunning in terms of value. … Continue reading

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2011 Mr Riggs Three Corner Jack

A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot from McLaren Vale. Blackberry pastilles, raspberry jellies, pepper, leaf. Stalky, firm tannin. Mocha oak. Feels gussied up with too much eye shadow. Cordial sweet on entry then hard, mean and unforgiving on the … Continue reading

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2011 Lowe Mudgee Blue Shiraz Cabernet

This is a more than handy offering from Lowe Wines. 80% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet. No issues whatsoever with regard to ripeness. Highly aromatic. Plums, blackberries, eucalypt and leather. Smooth mocha oak, pepper, aniseed and cloves. Loose in the mouth with … Continue reading

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2012 Partisan McLaren Vale Trenchcoat GSM

Holds its alcohol fairly well although it is warm and attenuated on the finish. Fruit tastes slightly baked and flat but not overly desiccated or arid. Rather savoury. Sodden earth, raspberry, salted licorice and black fruits. Powerful, hulking sort of … Continue reading

Posted in Grenache et al, McLaren Vale, Mourvèdre/Mataró et al, Shiraz et al, Syrah et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 Yangarra PF Shiraz

No added sulphur, no oak but of most interest to me is the lack of acid additions in such a vital wine. Is it a site specific proposition or could more McLaren Vale producers be learning from this? In any case … Continue reading

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