Category Archives: Syrah

2010 Tyrrell’s Brokenback Shiraz

It’s quite alarming to see the decrease in Hunter Shiraz on Queensland retail shelves over the last few years. Oh well, at least the trusty Brokenback remains available. Good wine, very good price. No ’4 Acres’ made in 2010 so … Continue reading

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2010 S.C. Pannell Syrah

Well, turns out there’s 2% Viognier in this savoury, spicy minx but I didn’t pick it up while tasting. How clumsy of me. Plenty of violet florals and textural nous. Some toned down whole bunch work in evidence but it’s not a … Continue reading

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2012 De Bortoli Windy Peak Heathcote Shiraz

It’s usually the Windy Peak Pinots and Chardonnays that garner most of the praise but this Shiraz deserves its time in the spotlight. It’s not much more than medium bodied but there are plenty of layers and complexity. Flirts with … Continue reading

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2011 Oakvale Single Vineyard Shiraz

Lots of good Shiraz made from the 2011 vintage in the Hunter Valley. This isn’t one of them. French vanilla and clove oak. Plenty of it. Blankets the fruit. Take a look under the hood and you’ll find cherry and … Continue reading

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2012 Bobar Yarra Valley Syrah

 I tasted and subsequently chose this wine to drink last Friday night – precisely the kind of gear I needed after a hectic week. It’s juicy, unaffected and damn tasty and I said so on twitter. Tom Carson (Yabby Lake, Heathcote Estate and … Continue reading

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2010 Mr Riggs Piebald Syrah

The label clearly states “Adelaide” as the growing region, so I’ll go with that. The ‘Piebald’ used to be labelled Shiraz Viognier but now it carries the name Syrah. I’m not so fond of the re-naming. If the use of … Continue reading

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2011 Bird on a Wire Syrah

Truly a product of an extraordinary Yarra Glen vineyard and a cool vintage, the 2011 Bird on a Wire Syrah is the best that Caroline Mooney has produced. It has a similar flavour profile to the 2010 but it’s more detailed, lithe … Continue reading

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2011 Medhurst Whatever Spicy Red

As of today, I’m adding a score out of 100 to my ratings. Don’t be scared, the worded system will remain and you are welcome to use whatever suits you best. In my case, I like the degree of calibration … Continue reading

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2010 TarraWarra Estate J-Block Shiraz

If you’re looking at regions that can do it all, the Adelaide Hills is often given front running. I have to suggest that its title is being firmly challenged by the Yarra these days. Great Pinot and Chardonnay, overlooked Shiraz/Syrah, … Continue reading

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2011 Jamsheed Harem Series La Syrah

“And one to fuck over when things would decide That it was once again time to go for a ride We felt we must seize the weather, and never the whim To be led by the other and not the … Continue reading

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