Category Archives: Shiraz

2010 Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Whitsend & Oakridge Vineyards Shiraz

It’s interesting to note that Oakridge winemaker David Bicknell considers the 2010 vintage in the Yarra to have been superior for red wines: “The synopsis of 2010 has been one of a good all-rounder where Chardonnay in particular has garnered much … Continue reading

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2010 Quartz Hill Syrah

There’s some good gear being cranked out in the Pyrenees at the moment. Mitchell Harris, Mount Avoca, Pyren Vineyard and now these guys at Quartz Hill. The winemaker is Darrin Gaffy, the grapes are hand-picked, the ferments are hand plunged … Continue reading

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2010 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Shiraz

“This, the best, most concentrated shiraz of the vintage was selected from The Ridge, a small part of our Griffin Road home vineyard. Hand picked and naturally fermented by wild yeasts in small open fermenters at our brand new Wallace … 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

2009 Lowe Block 8 Organic Shiraz

David Lowe’s whites have failed to interest me. Too lean and mean for my tastes. This is the first of his reds that I’ve seen and I’m actually quite taken with it. There’s a degree of intent behind it as … Continue reading

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2011 Longhop Shiraz

The Longhop wines are the result of a collaboration between Dominic Torzi of ‘Torzi Matthews’ fame and high-school mate Tim Freeland. I must admit, they’d not be on my radar before but they certainly are now. This a cracking release that defies … Continue reading

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2010 Shottesbrooke Estate Shiraz

A solid commercial release from Shottesbrooke and the price isn’t overly aspirational. I’ve got the Cabernet and Single Vineyard Shiraz here to taste later this week. From what I’ve heard, that’s where the real action will be. Confected red fruits; … Continue reading

Posted in McLaren Vale, Shiraz | Tagged | 3 Comments

2010 Fox Creek Old Vine Shiraz

Opened a bunch of Shirazes from 2009 and 2010 last night. None of them did a lot for me personally, but I have them all in front of me again this morning and it could be I was a tad … Continue reading

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Chapel Hill Red Wine Workshop 3.0

Last week I attended the third Chapel Hill Red Wine Workshop in Brisbane, hosted by head winemaker Michael Fragos. I’m not a huge fan of ‘cattle’ trade tastings, although I do get along to a few each year. The atmosphere … Continue reading

Posted in Articles, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, Margaret River, McLaren Vale, Shiraz, Wine Events, Wine Musings | Tagged , , | 2 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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