Craiglee
Sunbury Shiraz
Sunbury, Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia
See previous note in June 2023 where I questioned the ripeness of the fruit. This has the trademark spice and pepper. Very little fruit, more savoury characters. From one of Australia’s leading cool climate wineries. As Jancis said, “a real sense of place “ - in this case the Macedon Ranges just north of Tullamarine Airport. Very different to SA Shiraz. Just medium bodied - a leathery note with balanced tannins. As in previous note a touch of astringency at the finish.
See previous note in June 2023 where I questioned the ripeness of the fruit. This has the trademark spice and pepper. Very little fruit, more savoury characters. From one of Australia’s leading cool climate wineries. As Jancis said, “a real sense of place “ - in this case the Macedon Ranges just north of Tullamarine Airport. Very different to SA Shiraz. Just medium bodied - a leathery note with balanced tannins. As in previous note a touch of astringency at the finish.
Apr 19th, 2024Several previous notes on Delectable. Aromas of pepper, spice and leather. A medium bodied palate- more restrained than I was expecting. A very good cool climate Shiraz but when you don’t get complete ripeness in these cool climate reds, you do run the risk of a little astringency which is what this has. I have a couple left but where will any improvement come from? I have enjoyed this Cuvée over many years and many vintages so this may sound a bit harsh. I noticed my note in January 2023 said it might be going through a dumb phase
Several previous notes on Delectable. Aromas of pepper, spice and leather. A medium bodied palate- more restrained than I was expecting. A very good cool climate Shiraz but when you don’t get complete ripeness in these cool climate reds, you do run the risk of a little astringency which is what this has. I have a couple left but where will any improvement come from? I have enjoyed this Cuvée over many years and many vintages so this may sound a bit harsh. I noticed my note in January 2023 said it might be going through a dumb phase
Jun 4th, 2023Very dense and dark - almost black in colour. A favourite producer for many decades - usually showing cool climate Shiraz characteristics of pepper and spice but in 2006 showing riper fruit like blackberry - more full bodied and South Australian than southern Victoria. Atypical from my experience with Craiglee. The next night it was dense earthy and savoury with black pepper and aniseed - lovely flavours. It is bigger than usual - will try and leave the last one until 20 years old in 2026. See several previous Delectable tastings - consistent notes.
Very dense and dark - almost black in colour. A favourite producer for many decades - usually showing cool climate Shiraz characteristics of pepper and spice but in 2006 showing riper fruit like blackberry - more full bodied and South Australian than southern Victoria. Atypical from my experience with Craiglee. The next night it was dense earthy and savoury with black pepper and aniseed - lovely flavours. It is bigger than usual - will try and leave the last one until 20 years old in 2026. See several previous Delectable tastings - consistent notes.
Oct 18th, 2022See previous note from 73 weeks ago on March 2020. One of Australia’s great cool climate Shiraz. Noted for its spice and white pepper. Red fruited on the medium bodied palate and made in the historic blue stone winery which first made wine in 1860. Back then it was a vineyard surrounded by sheep but now Melbourne’s major airport, Tullamarine, is 20 minutes to the south. Wonderful balance and long living made by Pat Carmody and wife Dianne since 1976 after they replanted much of the vineyard. More in the style and weight of Burgundy than the Rhone. In the Langtons Classification under Excellent. Had another bottle 73 weeks later on the 5th January 2023 which didn’t show as well as it normally does. A touch of astringency. Going through a “dumb phase “? 88 points for latest tasting.
See previous note from 73 weeks ago on March 2020. One of Australia’s great cool climate Shiraz. Noted for its spice and white pepper. Red fruited on the medium bodied palate and made in the historic blue stone winery which first made wine in 1860. Back then it was a vineyard surrounded by sheep but now Melbourne’s major airport, Tullamarine, is 20 minutes to the south. Wonderful balance and long living made by Pat Carmody and wife Dianne since 1976 after they replanted much of the vineyard. More in the style and weight of Burgundy than the Rhone. In the Langtons Classification under Excellent. Had another bottle 73 weeks later on the 5th January 2023 which didn’t show as well as it normally does. A touch of astringency. Going through a “dumb phase “? 88 points for latest tasting.
Aug 12th, 2021Mid Ruby in colour. Aromas of cherry, spice and mushrooms with a note of dried meat. White pepper on the palate but not much on the nose strangely enough. Medium weight palate - northern Rhone in style - very different to the fruit driven styles in the Barossa and McLaren Vale. For around 35 years this has been one of my favourite reds in Australia. Wine was first made on this site in the 1860’s. Pat Carmody and his wife Dianne replanted the site in 1976 retaining the beautiful old blue stone gravity fed winery from the 19th century. An icon of Australian wine from small production - probably not a lot exported. This is the first of 6 purchased, so great times ahead!
Mid Ruby in colour. Aromas of cherry, spice and mushrooms with a note of dried meat. White pepper on the palate but not much on the nose strangely enough. Medium weight palate - northern Rhone in style - very different to the fruit driven styles in the Barossa and McLaren Vale. For around 35 years this has been one of my favourite reds in Australia. Wine was first made on this site in the 1860’s. Pat Carmody and his wife Dianne replanted the site in 1976 retaining the beautiful old blue stone gravity fed winery from the 19th century. An icon of Australian wine from small production - probably not a lot exported. This is the first of 6 purchased, so great times ahead!
Mar 16th, 2020Craiglee have been making wine on this site since the 1860s In a 3 Level bluestone gravity fed winery - about a half hours drive north of Tullamarine - Melbourne International Airport. Aromas of Liquorice and Spice. Medium minus palate weight - very different to Barossa or McLaren Vale Shiraz. Medium To light weight tannins. Great length despite the lack of palate weight - like a Pinot lovers Shiraz. Years ago I used to buy this cool climate Victorian Shiraz because of the white and black pepper, but no sign of that in this one - is Pat Carmody picking a little riper? Worth a visit for any visiting overseas Wine Lover so close to Tullamarine.
Craiglee have been making wine on this site since the 1860s In a 3 Level bluestone gravity fed winery - about a half hours drive north of Tullamarine - Melbourne International Airport. Aromas of Liquorice and Spice. Medium minus palate weight - very different to Barossa or McLaren Vale Shiraz. Medium To light weight tannins. Great length despite the lack of palate weight - like a Pinot lovers Shiraz. Years ago I used to buy this cool climate Victorian Shiraz because of the white and black pepper, but no sign of that in this one - is Pat Carmody picking a little riper? Worth a visit for any visiting overseas Wine Lover so close to Tullamarine.
Jun 24th, 2018
Amazing fruit & perfect balance with a long life ahead. Perfect with tonight's BBQ ribs!
Amazing fruit & perfect balance with a long life ahead. Perfect with tonight's BBQ ribs!
Jun 16th, 2017Savoury meaty aromas - no trademark pepper in 2006. Lively fresh flavours showing plum and spice of M+ intensity. A lovely cool climate Australian Shiraz which ages effortlessly in my experience. Grapes first grown at Craiglee in 1868.
Savoury meaty aromas - no trademark pepper in 2006. Lively fresh flavours showing plum and spice of M+ intensity. A lovely cool climate Australian Shiraz which ages effortlessly in my experience. Grapes first grown at Craiglee in 1868.
Jun 1st, 2017
Cracking condition, aged Aussie Shiraz at its finest. Youthful characteristics must be due to moderate fruit weight, svelte like tannin, high acidity and of course, it was bottled under a stelvin enclosure
Cracking condition, aged Aussie Shiraz at its finest. Youthful characteristics must be due to moderate fruit weight, svelte like tannin, high acidity and of course, it was bottled under a stelvin enclosure
Oct 3rd, 2016Deep Crimson. One of Australia's better cool climate Shirazes but without the usual amount of white and black pepper. Medium bodied with spicy fruit in the Northern Rhone style.
Deep Crimson. One of Australia's better cool climate Shirazes but without the usual amount of white and black pepper. Medium bodied with spicy fruit in the Northern Rhone style.
Oct 3rd, 2016