Shiraz Blend
Penfolds
Bin 2 South Australia Shiraz Mourvedre 2012
Even though I’m a life long buyer and drinker of Penfolds I’ve had very little experience with Bin 2 which is a Shiraz Mourvèdre blend (89%/11%). Dusty Black cherry notes with a little raspberry. These aromatics carry through to the medium plus bodied palate finishing with grainy tannins. A little astringency at the end, probably because of its youth (in Penfolds terms at least). Could easily go for another 5 years but nothing wrong with drinking one now. — 11 days ago
Atlas Wines
429º Clare Valley Shiraz 2016
Didn’t take notes as I thought I already had a Delectable note on this Atlas but I noticed previous note was 2013 and this wine was 2016. Not dissimilar to the previous with Black currant and a little Clare Valley menthol/eucalyptus. A full bodied palate with black fruits and chocolate - softening tannins and medium minus acid. An excellent red for the money. — a day ago
Best's
Bin No 1 Great Western Shiraz 2013
An opaque dark crimson in colour. Herbaceous on the nose with Mint, spice and plum - earthy mineral nuances as well. Medium to full bodied palate with plum and mint, essentially savoury, a touch of black pepper - still with firm tannins. From a very old pedigreed area for long living Shiraz in Great Western in Victoria. Good value and QPR at $25 AUD from Bests. I have Bin 0 and Thompson’s Family Cuvées that are older than this but not nearly ready. — 8 days ago
Two Hands
Angels' Share McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018
Deep Ruby, purple edges, with aromas of fresh berry fruits, cigar box spice and earthy mineral notes. On the palate rich ripe fruit, blackberry & black cherry with hints of dried spices. Good balance with slightly firm tannins, opened quickly, and lively acidity. Long finish, complex ending with oak, herb, mineral and earthy character. Will improve with short term aging, but don’t wait too long as you might be disappointed! Very nice Shiraz! Consistent quality, tried a few times! — 19 days ago
The Standish Wine Company
Single Vineyard Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006
If you have not had this producer of Shiraz from Barossa, you are missing out on some special wines from very old vines. In the case of “The Relic” 100 year old vines. We walked the Standish Estate vines w/ Dan in April 2017. They yield a paltry 500 pounds of fruit per acre. Normally, very high quality wine are around 2,00-2,500 pounds of fruit per acre. So, his wines are from small concentrated berries.
You won’t find his wines in the US except on the secondary markets. He doesn’t have or need a US importer as he sells everything he makes through his mailing list. However, worth seeking out. Also, his wines need to age and you can find them this old. I have numerous times.
Dan started out in Barossa and then gathered much of winemaking knowledge working his way through Europe for several producers and a majority of them in France.
When he returned to Australia, he became the Winemaker at Torbreck before starting “The Standish Wine Company.”
I’ve posted several of his wines with detailed notes and will let them speak here. Cheers!
— 13 days ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Referred to as the “Baby Grange,” blend of 57/43 Cab Sauv & Shiraz, aged for 12 months in American oak, partly in previous-vintage Grange casks. Dark Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits, sweet and complex spice. On the palate juicy black cherry and blackberry flavors with notes of cacao and toasty spices. Well balanced with acidity, full ripe tannins, long ending with smoky spice, fruit well integrated with oak, drink over next 10 years+, will only get better. Tasted twice! Nice! — 21 days ago