Category Archives: Shiraz et al

2011 Head Wines The Blonde Shiraz Viognier

From a single vineyard in the Stonewell subregion of the Barossa with between two and five percent Viognier skins incorporated depending on the vintage. Not marred by the cool, wet conditions in any way that I can see and my favourite of the 2011 … Continue reading

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2009 Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz

The Whalebone Vineyard reds are always swathed in oak. Unashamedly so. They’re built for the long haul. Still, they display a rare degree of refinement that sets them apart. The vineyard and the fruit is still clearly visible. It’s just framed … Continue reading

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2012 Head Wines Head Red GSM

I believe the blend is 75% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 5% Mataro but don’t hold me to it. Tastes roughly like that anyway. Spends 9 months in 500 litre French puncheons so don’t expect much oak influence. All the better … Continue reading

Posted in Barossa, Grenache et al, Shiraz et al, Syrah et al | Tagged | 8 Comments

2010 Schwarz The Dust Kicker GSM

The fruit for this comes from both the Barossa and Eden Valleys. 46% Grenache, 32% Shiraz, 22% Mataro. A notch above medium-bodied and very smart for the price. Blackberry and boysenberry with red fruited highlights. Salted licorice and Asian spice. Generous sweet flavour … Continue reading

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2010 Cradle of Hills Shiraz Mourvèdre

Cradle of Hills are a producer to watch in McLaren Vale but I must admit I’m not entirely enamoured with this release from the excellent 2010 vintage. It’s a touch too thick and slightly soupy with the alcohol also quite … Continue reading

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2009 d’Arenberg Ironstone Pressings Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre

I’m of the opinion that Grenache fared better than Shiraz in the Vale during the warm 2009 vintage. It’s a generalisation but I’m content to make it. So it’s really not surprising that I vastly prefer the d’Arenberg Ironstone Pressings … Continue reading

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2010 Three Dark Horses Shiraz Grenache Touriga

The Shiraz and Grenache come from McLaren Vale, the Touriga from Langhorne Creek.  50%, 25% and 25% respectively. Aged for 18 months in new and old French oak. Redcurrants, cherries, minty lift, vanilla and red earth. Spicy and leathery on the palate. … Continue reading

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2011 Thomas DJV Shiraz 2011

I meant to taste this alongside the other 2011 Thomas red wine releases but I happened to misplace it. Have been checking in on it since last Friday. It’s my least favourite of his wines from that vintage. Sourced from the … Continue reading

Posted in Hunter Valley, Shiraz, Shiraz et al, Syrah, Syrah et al | Tagged | 3 Comments

2011 Le Chat Noir Minervois vieilles vignes Syrah Mourvèdre

Minervois is an appellation that sits in the western part of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region of southern France. This is a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre sourced from bush vines aged between 79 and 82 years of age. … Continue reading

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2011 Yangarra Estate GSM

A blend of 41% Grenache, 31% Shiraz and 28% Mourvèdre and a testament to the value of canopy management and exposure in years that present issues of disease and rot. Silky and agile in the mouth, pretty and perfumed on … Continue reading

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