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For Your Pleasure
"For your pleasure
In our present state
Part false part true
Like anything
We present ourselvesThe words we use tumble
All over your shoulder
Gravel hard and looseThere all night lying
With your dark horse hiding
Abhorring such extremes" - Bryan FerryCategories
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Category Archives: Syrah
2009 Henry’s Drive Shiraz
A Shiraz that’s won a few silver medals. Mostly in the UK. Was also included in the 2013 Adelaide Review’s Hot 100 Wines. Bourbon soaked raisined fruit. Hollow alcohol soaked palate. Fake acid freshness. Astringent tannin. Avoid. 83 Region: Padthaway … Continue reading
2010 Lethbridge Indra Shiraz
From the Indra block of the Lethbridge vineyard in Geelong. 100% new French barrels and 2% Viognier. You’d be hard pressed to identify the latter. It does present as a ‘Flagship’ wine but it’s not as crass as that term … Continue reading
2012 Three Dark Horses McLaren Vale Shiraz
Shiraz from the Romano vineyard in the Seaview subregion of McLaren Vale, vinified by ex-Coriole winemaker Matt Broomhead. Spends eighteen months in new French hogsheads. Fascinating aromas, the most distinctive being a kind of musky men’s cologne. Earth, plum pudding, … Continue reading
2012 Eden Road The Long Road Shiraz
This Long Road utilises mostly Gundagai fruit. It would be crass if I quoted the song that immediately comes to mind. There’s a dash from the Canberra District and the Hilltops as well. The incorporation of 15% whole bunches is pronounced. The … Continue reading
2011 Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz
McLaren Vale has been a fascinating case study for the predominantly wet 2011 South East Australian vintage. Some remarkable wines and some real disappointments. This sits somewhere in the middle. The acid really is too pointy and sharp. Eventually that … Continue reading
2011 Voyager Estate Shiraz
My palate memory tells me that the 2010 Voyager Estate Shiraz showed more poise and elegance than this follow-up. I wasn’t overly taken with it in the Voyager Masterclass earlier this year and my opinion hasn’t changed that much after sitting with … Continue reading
2011 M&S Ogier D’Ampuis La Rosine Syrah
Established in 1983 with the M&S standing for the father and son team Michel & Stéphane Ogier. Grapes for the La Rosine are sourced from vineyards that lie between the Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Vines are about 15 years of age. … Continue reading
2012 Longline Blood Knot Shiraz
The second of two inaugural releases for the Longline label, brought to you by Paul Carpenter of Wirra Wirra fame. A quarter of the grapes come from a vineyard in the Adelaide Hills about four kilometres from Wirra Wirra with the rest sourced from … Continue reading
2011 Mount Pleasant Phillip Hunter Valley Shiraz
More approachable than the OP&OH and Rosehill in its youth although best to thoroughly decant it right now. That’ll take the edginess away from the acidity. There’s less oak apparent but it still benefits from time to relax and feel at home … Continue reading