Category Archives: Syrah

2013 Head Wines The Contrarian Shiraz

From Moculta in the north of the Eden Valley. The most savoury and dry of the gang. Blossoms with a lengthy decant…or three days of tasting. Smells and tastes of juicy blackberries and boysenberry, potpourri and violets, dark chocolate and … Continue reading

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2013 Head Wines Head Red Shiraz

The 2012 was more to my tastes but that doesn’t detract from this vintage at all. Raspberries and kirsch over black fruits. Barossan generosity, just under full-bodied with quality tannic structure for the price. Savoury dark chocolate and nuances of … Continue reading

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2012 Lethbridge Que Syrah Syrah

Much to ponder with this Geelong Shiraz. Has it gone too far in the pursuit of cool climate elegance? It’s on the knife edge of ripeness and needs time in a decanter to flesh out a little and give some … Continue reading

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2013 Port Phillip Estate Salasso Rosé

Last vintage was one the better Australian rosés I’ve tasted. I’m nowhere near as keen on this but I still like it. An interplay between macerated and candied red fruits and savoury earthen characters, dominated by the former. Plenty of … Continue reading

Posted in Mornington Peninsula, Rosé, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 2 Comments

2013 Madfish Rosé

It says quite a lot about the evolution of Australian Rosé when this the minimum standard I expect when tasting. Made from Shiraz. Summer pudding aromatics and flavour. A hint of spice and traction are both welcome. Fruit sweetness with … Continue reading

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2011 Forester Estate Margaret River Shiraz

Extremely easy-going Shiraz from the northern parts of the Margaret River region. Cordial-like and lacking enough in depth to be considered superficial. Contains 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and oddly, 4% Alicante Bousche. Mulberry, raspberry and plums. A little menthol lift. Warm, … Continue reading

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2009 Alkoomi Jarrah Frankland River Shiraz

Two Great Southern Shiraz from the Frankland River subregion and the same vintage tasted together, single blind. This didn’t impress me as much. Sweeter, less depth, a more commercial feel. Glossy red over black fruits, aniseed and pepper. Not much … Continue reading

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2009 Larry Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz

Another compelling argument for Great Southern Shiraz, albeit more voluminous than the 2011 Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz reviewed recently. Some reductive rubbery arse to begin with (which I actually enjoy) but it blows off quickly. Amazingly savoury considering its dark … Continue reading

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2011 Evans & Tate Metricup Road Shiraz

Increasingly I wonder if many producers can make a go of Shiraz in the Margaret River. They might be able to sell their wares to West Australians but by and large most of the wines just don’t cut it. This … 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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