Category Archives: Syrah

2009 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz

The Alexander Munro is now released as a five year-old and a ten year-old wine. A pretty smart idea for those who don’t have a cellar or wine fridge…or for those who just want to tuck in straight away. Blackberry over … Continue reading

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2012 Best’s Great Western Bin 0 Shiraz

Best’s Great Western Bin 0 Shiraz is sourced from four estate blocks – the 1867 Thomson Family Block, the 1966 Bart’s Block, the 1970 Marcus’ Block and the 1992 Hill Block. The sites are chosen for both quality and the … Continue reading

Posted in Grampians, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 5 Comments

2012 Best’s Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz

Crafted from 15 rows of original plantings that are now around 145 years old. That’s some serious history in a bottle. This is actually the first time I’ve ever had the opportunity to taste Best’s flagship wine and I must … Continue reading

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2011 Mr Riggs Shiraz

I reckon more than a few people consider me to be an oak Nazi and it’s true that I think it is often misused or over-applied…much like make-up. But there are circumstances where I’m happy to go into bat for … Continue reading

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2011 Mr Riggs Scarce Earth Shiraz

This was one of just a few wines that stood out like a sore thumb at last year’s Scarce Earth tasting on account of the amount of oak and alcohol. Its inclusion really did surprise me. It just doesn’t fit … Continue reading

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2011 Blue Poles Shiraz

In some ways this is very much like a Blue Poles red wine and in other ways not so much. The fruit is sweet and concentrated – much more so than in the Reserve Merlot, Allouran Merlot Cabernet Franc or Teroldego. … Continue reading

Posted in Margaret River, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 3 Comments

2012 Partisan McLaren Vale Shiraz

Quality inexpensive regional drinking. Hugely under-rated. Always brings a smile to my face. Juicy blackberries and plums, milk chocolate, licorice and earthy spice. A hint of coffee cream from the oak. Lovely dynamics in the fruit. The tannin is a touch coarse … Continue reading

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2011 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Shiraz

From a section of the Estate vineyard which spans 750 metres to 850 metres in altitude. Depth and density are notable given the difficulties of the year. Lots of chocolatey oak joining black berry-cherry fruit. A good shake of pepper and a … Continue reading

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2012 Cooks Lot Shiraz Lot #1010

As with most of these Cooks Lot reds, this is a rather insubstantial wine. The wet and cool vintage conditions may have a had a lot do with that, although the 2013 Pinot was much the same. Cool climate regions are no … Continue reading

Posted in Orange, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 3 Comments

2012 Dodgy Brothers Shiraz

Somewhat of an old-school McLaren Vale take on Shiraz sourced from the White’s Valley Vineyard and the Dry Creek Vineyard, both in the Sellicks Foothills subregion. Dense and powerful. Liqueur like fruit, milk chocolate and some slightly custardy mocha oak. Tarry … Continue reading

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