Category Archives: Shiraz et al

2010 De Bortoli La Bossa Shiraz Cabernet Merlot

Generic, weekday red. Confected fruits, pumped up acidity and little in the way of form or shape. In other words, easy to slug back without thought. In fact the best way to drink it is thoughtlessly. It doesn’t really stand … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Shiraz et al, South Eastern Australia | Tagged | 3 Comments

Vale WWEI: Prepare to Meet Your Maker

Vale interloper Gods listen. Or at least that’s the conclusion I came to at the end of a three-day junket in McLaren Vale earlier in July. To begin with, I kind of muscled my way into the Queensland “Meet Your … Continue reading

Posted in Articles, Cabernet et al, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fiano, Grenache, Grenache et al, McLaren Vale, Mourvèdre/Mataró, Mourvèdre/Mataró et al, Other Whites, Roussanne, Sagrantino et al, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Shiraz et al, Vermentino, Viognier, White Blends, Wine Events, Wine Musings | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

2009 Cradle of Hills Shiraz Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre/Mataró is such a great blending partner for Shiraz. It adds structure and interest, two things that are sometimes absent from straight varietal gear. This one’s got 20% Mourvèdre in it, along with a dash of Grenache (5%). It’s entirely … Continue reading

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2009 Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

For those wanting a less expensive take on Cabernet Shiraz, ‘The Scribbler’ provides a nice hit for the price. You’ll probably feel less guilty opening it on a week night too. 61% Cabernet, 39% Shiraz. Sweet, jubey blackcurrant upfront with … Continue reading

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2009 Yalumba FDR1A Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

The seventh release of Yalumba’s FDR1A - that’s ‘Fine Dry Red’ to the uninitiated. The first was way back in 1974. You can’t mistake the Eden valley fruit in this beauty. It’s powerful yet floral and spicy. Layers and depth galore. … Continue reading

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2008 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

Yalumba are totally committed to the Cabernet Shiraz blend and they sure have a handle on it. As much as I love the 2009 FDR1A, I think ‘The Signature’ is probably the superior wine from an objective perspective. There’s a … Continue reading

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2008 Karra Yerta Shiraz Cabernet

Karra Yerta wines are almost always unforced, honest and extremely good value. This version of ‘The Great Australian Red’ is no different. It’s a blend of dry-grown Shiraz from Flaxman’s Valley, Shiraz from the Moppa area and Cabernet from High Eden. … Continue reading

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The Red Stripe Comes of Age: d’Arenberg’s 100th Birthday Lunch

And it’s Time, Time, Time… Chester Osborn, who began his tenure as chief winemaker at d’Arenberg in 1984, was limping ever so slightly as he came to greet me. We were at Urbane for what turned out to be an … Continue reading

Posted in Adelaide Hills, Articles, Cabernet et al, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Grenache et al, McLaren Vale, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Shiraz, Shiraz et al, Wine Events, Wine Musings | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

2010 Longview Shiraz Cabernet

A pleasant surprise. A wine of some depth and complexity at around $15, one that evolves over three days of tasting and doesn’t play solely to commercial interests and tastes. I’m tired of the dumbing down of wine – how … Continue reading

Posted in Adelaide Hills, Cabernet et al, McLaren Vale, Shiraz et al | Tagged | 4 Comments

2010 Salo Hawkes Bay Syrah

The Salo stable expands (to two wines) with the introduction of this inaugural Hawkes Bay Syrah. Only fitting considering it’s a collaborative effort between Kiwi Dave Mackintosh and Aussie Steve Flamsteed. No sulfur pre-bottling, ambient yeast, 18 months in 15% new French barriques. As for the … Continue reading

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