Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – From a 1.5-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1945 (by Verset), the 2020 Cornas la Sabarotte matures in 50% new oak and 50% second use barrels. Notes of violets and purple raspberries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is concentrated, rich and velvety, leading into a long, tannic finish. It will need a bit of time in the cellar but should be an outstanding drink around 2030. - Robert Parker
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The impressive 2018 Saint-Joseph Le Clos offers up notes of both black cherries and black olives. It's full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with a velvety-textured but mouthwatering finish and some dusty tannins.
James Suckling – How is it possible to marry this kind of syrah power with the extraordinary refinement of this Cote-Rotie? It just glides effortlessly over your palate. Then, right at the end, the power creeps up on you and inexorably pulls you into its orbit, as if this was the planet Jupiter. Amazing mineral intensity at the dazzling finish. From a vineyard at the north of the appellation on pure mica-schist soil. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold. - Stuart Pigott,Senior Editor
James Suckling – The bouquet of this is like a huge bunch of flowers, although many of the aromas go in the balsamic, leathery and spicy directions. With a little aeration smoke and cigar tobacco notes develop. Deep blackberry and black-cherry fruit on the expansive palate, the substantial core of fine tannins holding this extravagance together beautifully. Long, silky and spicy finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.
James Suckling – At first very leathery and animal in the nose, then the smoke wafts in and is followed by candied-orange, tobacco-leaf and coffee notes. Very concentrated, but focused and elegant for this appellation. Invigorating freshness at the long, stony finish. So dynamic! From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
James Suckling – Outer quote mark If you ever wondered why Hermitage had such a special reputation then you need to taste this towering masterpiece of this appellation. Spectacular mountain freshness as well as enormous concentration and underplayed tannic power. The spicy complexity of this wine needs some time to unfold, but that is the best invested time I can imagine. Fabulous mineral freshness at the finish that you don’t ever want to let go of. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. Inner quote mark (5/2023)
James Suckling – Wow. This is a bold, brassy shiraz that carries a wealth of very intense aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, licorice and sweetly spiced earth. Still so very youthful and primary. The palate is so powerful, so mouth-filling and so, so juicy. This manages to deliver such intensity and composure. Supple, long and deep-set tannins and heroically expressive fruit. Really impressive now, but this will deliver much more over the next two decades. One of the finest releases to date.
Shiraz and Syrah are essentially two names for the same grape variety, renowned for producing full-bodied red wines. The distinction often lies in the wine's origin and style. Historically rooted in France's Rhône Valley, Syrah wines tend to possess a more elegant profile with nuanced flavors of blackberries, herbs, and sometimes even olives. As the variety migrated to other parts of the world, particularly Australia, it adopted the name "Shiraz" and became associated with a bolder, fruitier style. These wines often exhibit luscious notes of plum, chocolate, and spices. The versatility of this grape is truly astounding, adapting uniquely to its terroir. The aging potential varies, with some meant for early enjoyment while others can be cellared for years, developing complex tertiary flavors. Whether enjoyed young or aged, Shiraz Syrah offers a fascinating exploration into the world of red wines.
Shiraz Syrah wine refers to a red wine produced from the Syrah grape variety. Depending on the region, the wine is referred to either as "Syrah" or "Shiraz." At its core, this grape is known for producing wines that are deeply colored and full-bodied, with a wide array of flavors ranging from fruits like blueberries and black cherries to more earthy tones. The name distinction often emerges from the wine's stylistic and regional differences. While both names reference the same grape, they evoke different wine profiles and traditions, depending on where the wine is crafted.
Historically, the Syrah grape finds its origins in the Rhône Valley of France. Here, especially in regions like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, the grape produces wines of elegance, complexity, and longevity. However, when we shift to Australia, particularly regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, the grape, referred to as "Shiraz," gives wines with a bolder, fruit-forward expression, often with notes of chocolate and spices. Both regions, despite their differences, are considered world-class producers of this grape variety.
Popularity often intertwines with both region and producer. In the Rhône Valley, labels like Guigal's Côte-Rôtie and Chapoutier's Hermitage are celebrated. In Australia, Penfolds Grange and Henschke's Hill of Grace Shiraz are iconic labels, recognized globally. These wines represent the pinnacle of Shiraz Syrah's expression in their respective regions.
Value is subjective, but there are numerous Shiraz Syrah wines that deliver exceptional quality for their price. In Australia, wines from regions like Langhorne Creek or Clare Valley often provide remarkable value. Similarly, in France, the broader appellations of the Rhône Valley, like Côtes du Rhône, frequently offer wines that punch above their weight in terms of price to quality.
Shiraz Syrah, with its robust and versatile profile, pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Think hearty meat dishes such as grilled steaks, lamb shanks, or even spicy barbecue. For Syrah from the Rhône, consider duck or other game meats, accompanied by herbs and olives. The wine's inherent peppery notes also make it a great companion to dishes with a bit of spice or smoked flavors. Whether you're enjoying a French Syrah or an Australian Shiraz, there's a myriad of culinary delights that can complement this wine's rich profile.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.