Category Archives: Syrah et al

2012 Inkwell Road to Joy Shiraz Primitivo

The blend is 85%/15% respectively. Wild ferment as is the case with each of these Inkwell releases. Twenty-one months in French and American hogsheads. Purple fruits, plum pudding, Old Jamaican chocolate and vanilla with baking spice. The acidity feels slightly … Continue reading

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2011 Battle of Bosworth Best of Vintage

As the name suggests, this is a blend of the best grapes produced by Battle of Bosworth’s certified organic estate vineyards each year. 47% Cabernet, 37% Shiraz and 16% Petit Verdot. A lengthy decant is advised for now. Violets, wet … 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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2012 Yangarra Estate GSM

Gee willikers this is very fine McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre. 54%, 18%, 12%. Rather tight on opening but after a double decant it’s far more communicative. Continued to improve over three days of tasting suggesting a bit of cellar … Continue reading

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Eloquesta A Boy With Fruit No.1

This offering from Stuart Olsen of Eloquesta wines is a made using multiple vintages: Sur-lees aged pressings of Shiraz and Petit Verdot from 2009 and 2010 were double fermented with fresh ripe fruit from the exceptional vintage 2013 – then … Continue reading

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2011 Eloquesta Shiraz Petit Verdot

A curious blend of grapes from Mudgee and one which I’ve enjoyed in the past. Quirky and tasty if lacking a bit of carry and conviction through the back-palate. 100% whole bunch. Initially sappy, twiggy and herbal although it becomes … Continue reading

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2013 Clonakilla Ceoltoiri

A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Shiraz and Cinsault. No idea how to pronounce the name. Mostly upfront primary fruit flavour but beyond that is where interest lies. Red fruits, fresh yellow-fleshed plums, black pepper and cupboard spices, lavender, a hint … Continue reading

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2012 Angullong Fossil Hill Shiraz Viognier

Difficult vintage and not a persuasive take on the Shiraz Viognier blend. Pepper and florals. A little plushness in the mouth but the acidity remains gangly and mawkish. Light berry fruit. Purple flowers, sour plum skins. Trails away quickly. 85 … Continue reading

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2012 McPherson Basilisk Shiraz Mourvèdre

Continuing the theme of good value for money – McPherson, a Central Victorian producer I was previously unfamiliar with. This is a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Mourvèdre. Good energy with copious black berry-cherry fruit and complexity generated by … Continue reading

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2013 Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier

There’s no mistaking it as anything other than a Shiraz Viognier but if you have any time for the blend in cool climates then I urge you not to write it off. Incorporation of whole bunches and 5% Viagra…I mean … Continue reading

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