Wine Spectator – Juicy notes of ripe black cherry and spiced plum are thick and velvety, oozing with details of baking spices, tobacco and Earl Grey tea on the finish. Concentrated and complex. The thick tannins add some charm. Drink now through 2030.
The Wine Front – "While juicy and thick set it has a good deal of fruit, spice and herbal information, both perfume and palate does dark cherry, choc-mint, sage leaf, blood orange – with fine, firm, al dente tannin in the vein of nerello mascalese or similar. It’s a brooding and deep red, chewy and potent but with levity on its side. Charming in the moodier frame." - Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)
The Wine Front – Plum and blue fruits, peanuts in dark chocolate, plenty of spice, touch of stalk and meaty funk, with a subtle floral perfume. Medium bodied, silky and well knit, with fine grained graphite tannin, balanced acidity, and an even finish of good length.
James Halliday – Matured for 12 months in new and used oak (88% French, 12% American). Bright crimson colour heralds a wine full of vitality; red berry flavours surge through the mouth, gauzy tannins in the background adding to the exuberant mouthfeel and length.
James Halliday – This wine has shapeshifted nicely over the years, segueing from a fruit-forward iteration to a more streamlined, taut and spicy expression. Mid weighted, savoury and highly suggestive of the northern Rhône. Aromas of mace, clove, dill pickle, salumi and spiced cherry. Yet there is nothing hard to the tannins or too challenging for those seeking established styles. Juicy and long of flow, this makes for excellent, versatile everyday drinking. - Ned Goodwin (James Halliday Wine Companion)
James Halliday – From the sixth-generation Riebke growers, deeply coloured and unashamedly full-bodied, gritty tannins standing guard over wild blackberry fruit. A degree of patience is absolutely essential, but will be rewarded thanks to the overall balance of the wine.
James Halliday – "94 Points. Bright crimson-purple; a spray of red flowers, berries and spice on the bouquet sets the scene for a wine that over-delivers on its price and the vagaries of the '16 vintage. It's light to medium-bodied, with a cornucopia of red fruits, ripe, fine tannins providing length and persistence to the palate. There's no need for patience, but 5 years won't tire it. $24.00 14.5% alc Drink By: 2025" James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au
James Suckling – This is a very pure, super-young style of shiraz that is all about the unadulterated taste of blueberry and red-plum shiraz fruit. Smooth, open-knit and plump, it has no sulphites added – hence the preservative-free acronym. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, 30 August, 2021
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.