Category Archives: Shiraz

2008 Oliver’s Taranga HJ Reserve Shiraz

I imagine many critics would consider this to be an ‘old fashioned’ style of wine. High ABV, a fair clip of oak, full-bodied, a bit of xmas cake etc. I’m not as convinced the general public views things the same way. Me? I … Continue reading

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2010 Thomas Wines DJV Shiraz

The Thomas Wines ‘DJV’ Shiraz wasn’t a wine that I immediately grasped when I first tasted it last release. It includes some Semillon verjuice (9% this year) and that seems to soften the tannins, add a more slippery feel to … Continue reading

Posted in Hunter Valley, Shiraz, Shiraz et al | Tagged | 2 Comments

2010 Bimbadgen Estate Shiraz

A good, honest Hunter Shiraz with decent pricing, yet it fails to hit any real heights. Cherry dominant with some plum, vanilla and coconut. Hints of (latent) sandy earth. Quite spicy too. It’s mostly sweet and not overly structured but … Continue reading

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2010 Thomas Motel Block Shiraz

Loved the last release of this wine. Think I like this one even more. It’s all about how it feels in your mouth baby. But before we go there let’s touch on some other elements shall we? Smells of blue and black … Continue reading

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2010 Mule Shiraz

The ‘Mule’ label is the new kid on the block in the Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander stable of wines. Grapes are sourced from the Gateway Vineyard in McLaren Vale; a vineyard that is currently in conversion to full biodynamic status…if that … Continue reading

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2009 Chapel Hill Shiraz

Despite the warm 2009 vintage, Chapel Hill pulled off two excellent Shiraz releases reviewed under The Chosen moniker. This standard Shiraz is by no means poor and its warm heartedness will have its fans but it’s really an average release at … Continue reading

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2009 Eloquesta Shiraz Petit Verdot

I’ve never heard of Eloquesta before but winemaker Stuart Olsen has made me sit up and listen (or taste, as the case may be) with this quirky little number that’s just brimming with freshness and vitality. And if you thought … Continue reading

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2010 The Story Rice’s Vineyard Shiraz

Rice’s Vineyard in the Grampians is the warmest and earliest ripening site from which ‘The Story Wines’ sources Shiraz grapes. I actually put in my order for these 2010 wines before tasting them and left this one off the list…not … Continue reading

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2010 The Story Henty Estate Vineyard Shiraz

The first ‘The Story’ Shiraz to be sourced from outside of the Grampians region and it may just be Rory Lane’s finest to date. Henty huh? Who would have thunk it? Exemplary in its elegance, perfume and purpose. Shiraz florals … Continue reading

Posted in Henty, Shiraz | Tagged | 5 Comments

2010 The Story Garden Gully Vineyard Shiraz

Rory Lane, the very talented man behind ‘The Story’ wines, has produced three single vineyard Shirazes from the 2010 vintage. Whilst there is considerable similarity between them in terms of the winemaking techniques employed, each displays its own unique character. … Continue reading

Posted in Grampians, Shiraz | Tagged | 2 Comments