Australia is recognized globally for its rich, bold Shiraz wine. According to Janise Robinson, if black pepper is trademark of French Syrah, dark chocolate is that of Australian Shiraz produced from Australia's vineyards. The oldest Shiraz we presented for tasting on March 18, 2014 was 13 years and the youngest was six. Guest speaker for the evening was Lenny Panzer of B & W Wines.
HOW THE WINES RANKED
THE WINES
2001 Rockford Wines - Basket Press Shiraz $79 (South AU)
“The stunning 2001 Shiraz Basket Press was fashioned by Robert O'Callaghan and his assistant winemaker, the renowned Chris Ringland. Initially, this dark ruby/purple-colored effort is not overwhelmingly impressive, but with aeration, the nose opens to reveal scents of loamy earth, blackberries, currants, pepper, and underbrush. The complex aromatics are matched by a savory, fleshy, structured, full-bodied palate possessing loads of earthy black fruits as well as subtle oak. It is a beautifully intense, old vine Shiraz meant for long-term cellaring. Accessible now, it promises to last for 15 or more years.” 94 pts. Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2004.
2003 Mitchell McNicol Shiraz $51 (South AU) Developed red colour, entirely appropriate; has thrived during the eight years since vintage, with abundant blackberry and licorice fruit, quality oak, and a long, balanced palate that has fused fruit, oak and tannins into a harmonious whole. Drink [until] 2023.” 95pts. James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 2011
2007 Alkoomi Jarrah Shiraz $40 (West AU) “The 2007 Jarrah Shiraz gives a deep garnet-purple color with earthy aromas of damp loam, truffles and forest floor that give way to black currant, cigar boxes and cinnamon stick. The palate has a modest, easydrinking medium body while the medium to high acidity and a medium to firm level of very fine tannins provide just enough support. Drink this now to 2018+.” 91pts. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2010.
2007 Kilikanoon Parable Shiraz $40 (South AU) “Deep garnet colored, the 2007 Parable Shiraz gives fragrant, floral notes of dried roses and violets over oolong tea, dried cherry and warm blackberries plus whiffs of licorice and menthol. With a nice juxtaposition between voluptuous, ripe fruit and a solid structure of high acid and firm grainy tannins, it gives a long layered finish. Temptingly forward with ripe, primary flavors that are just starting to evolve, this wine should fan out even more with 2-4 years more in bottle and drink to 2020+.” 94+ pts. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010.
2007 Keith Tulloch The Kester Shiraz $37 (East – New South Wales) “The Kester Shiraz comes off a single block of vines planted in the 1930s (though not owned by Keith Tulloch). It is co-fermented with 1-2% Viognier, spending around 4 weeks on its skins before pressing. The 2007 The Kester Shiraz Viognier has a very deep garnet-purple color and fragrant warm black cherry and blackberry aromas with hints of cassis, spice box, white pepper and mocha. Full-bodied with very crisp acid to give lift, it has a medium-firm level of very finely grained tannins and a long finish with some earthiness coming through. Approachable now, it should develop nicely and drink through 2018+.” 93pts. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, erobertparker.com, May 2011
2007 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz $120 (East – New South Wales) “The 2007 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is holding firmly to its youthful deep garnet-purple color. Very pretty, cool-climate fruit nose: violets, dark cherry, cumin, vanilla, anise, cassis and a bit of tar. Medium bodied with a tightly knit, elegantly fruited palate. Mediumhigh level of fine tannins and medium to high acid. Concentrated. Very long finish. 13.5% alcohol. 1000 cases produced. Drink 2013-2025.” 93pts. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, erobertparker.com, Apr. 2010.
2008 Leeuwin Estate - Art Series Shiraz $45 (Western AU) “The 2008 Art Series Shiraz is intensely scented of black pepper and black cherries with nuances of ripe blueberries, baking spices, dusty earth and licorice. Medium bodied with a medium level of rounded tannins, it has medium high acid and plenty of ripe, varietally expressive fruit flavors, finishing long and peppery. Drink this one now to 2016+.” 91pts. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011.
2008 Best's Great Western Winery - Bin No. 0 Shiraz $57 (South-East AU) Their premier range is Great Western with a superb Bin No. 0. “Bright crimson; a fragrant bouquet, with notes of spice and pepper to tis black fruit core, then a beautifully textured and structured palate, fruit, oak and tannins in perfect harmony. Drink [until] 2030.” 96pts. James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 11, 2011.