Category Archives: Shiraz

2012 Chapel Hill The Chosen House Block Shiraz

I popped these Scarce Earth wines (two from Chapel Hill, two from Coriole) in with a number of other 2012 Vale Shiraz for (blind) tasting purposes. The lesser influence of oak was easily identifiable yet not always a plus as … Continue reading

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2012 Yangarra Estate Shiraz

The 2012 vintage has produce some bold McLaren Vale Shiraz even from vineyards situated in cooler sites, like Yangarra’s. When it comes to descriptions you often find yourself using words that have inherently negative connotations when it comes to Australian … Continue reading

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2013 Three Dark Horses McLaren Vale Shiraz

I believe this comes from a single vineyard, I know not where, in McLaren Vale. I’m sure winemaker Matt Broomhead will enlighten me. Distinctive profile for a Shiraz from the region. Very red fruited on the nose. Cherries and redcurrants … Continue reading

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2012 Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz

Colour me confused. 2012 saw Chapel Hill makes their finest Sangiovese…and perhaps one of least distinguished Shiraz wines. The flavour profile is as you’d expect. Mulberries, plums, salted Dutch licorice, milk chocolate and the like. But there’s a strange absence … Continue reading

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2012 Teusner Albert Shiraz

Warm climate South Australian Shiraz; if only I had a dollar for the number of winemakers who make it then lampoon the stuff. That’s cool. I often mock some of my paid work. The funny thing is I still put … Continue reading

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2014 Yangarra Estate PF Shiraz

Made without additions of any kind. PF stands for “preservative free”. Picked on pH, so the lower ABV is more a result of practicality than intent. Perfectly ripe though. Quite amazing really. Just as you might expect in terms of … Continue reading

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2011 Xabregas Estate Shiraz

From Mount Barker as is the case with the two wines reviewed below. Less savoury, more traditional, predominantly red-fruited. Easy access. Savouries up as it moves down the line while adding some plums, aniseedy herbs and French vanilla oak. A … Continue reading

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2010 Xabregas Artisan Syrah

Cofermented with some whole bunch Roussanne all in large vats “for funk.” Oh yes, the colour. I don’t really care much about it but it’s undeniably vivid. Busy wine. Very wild and savoury. Violets, notes of sauvage/game meats, dusty spices, … Continue reading

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2010 X by Xabregas Spencer Syrah

I’m late to the party on these Xabregas Great Southern Syrahs but the quality is very high and they both have an X-factor. Seductive, silky mouthfeel. Gunsmoke, deli meats, blackberries, fennel seeds and dark cherries. Sanguine, dried herb finish. Luscious … Continue reading

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2012 Sons of Eden Romulus Barossa Valley Shiraz

Viticulturist Simon Cowham and winemaker Corey Ryan are forging distinguished careers in the Barossa. Both of these 2012 Shiraz wines are excellent. The Romulus is crafted from 85 year-old vines in the Light Pass subregion and 80 year-old vines in … Continue reading

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