The Wine Front – "Pleasing symmetry between price and vine age. This 2017 is made from 125 year old vines. 746 dozen is the total production. I’d have Block 6 in my list of the greatest Australian Shiraz. I’ll offer that 2017 was a curious vintage for McLaren Vale reds, they’re a bit different, but high quality all the same.
It’s just above medium bodied, but feels dense and compact in tannin. Blackberry, aniseed, subtle toasty oak, sage and floral perfume. It has what you might call a ‘coolness’ to it, distinct umami flavour also laden with spice. That usual ironstone and crushed rock sort of character you may find in Block 6 is there too. Finish is long, and the tannin brings it home. Wonderful character and vinous integrity. It’s a little different, yet typical."
95+ Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, October 2019, Drink: 2022 - 2038+
Wine Spectator – Lively, with a mix of damson plum and bitter cherry notes lined with sanguine and iron hints. An understated style, but this has range and is sneaky long, with dried savory and bay leaf details on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2032.
Wine Enthusiast – A pure nose exuding perfectly ripe red fruit, enveloped by black plum, violet and green peppercorn. The palate is immediately greeted with a rush of acidity, rolling in a wave of black cherry, thyme stem, violets, iris, clove and black tea. Though currently a bit wound, it should shine with impressive nuances with additional time in bottle. Undeniably irresistible. Martine’s Wines.
James Suckling – Lots of smoke, pepper and blackberries on the nose, but also ripe red berries and dried flowers that expand as it aerates. At once ripe and fleshy, but also silky and graceful. Full-bodied. Underplayed power until you get right to the finish where you feel the beautifully crafted structure. A cuvee of 60% grenache from Le Pradel and 40% syrah from La Font du Pape. 75% whole bunch. Matured in a combination of Stockinger oak foudre and clay amphora. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.
Decanter – A 70% Syrah-Grenache blend that offers a lot of wine for the price. Peppery bramble fruits, wild herbs and liquorice adorn the supple palate which has grippy fruit tannins and a lifted violet perfume. Vibrant, with balanced alcohol.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2017 Minervois la Liviniere La Touge is an approachable, medium-bodied blend. It's more red-fruited and friendly than the other Maris wines in 2017, showcasing silky tannins and mixed cherries and blueberries, without any obvious oak influence.
James Halliday – “This is a beautiful wine, its aroma, its palate, its weight, its varietal and regional expression giving rise to a continuous stream of velvety pleasure. Flawless”
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.