Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Powered by scents of pepper-studded smoked meat, mulberries and mocha, the 2016 Lieu-dit Malakoff Shiraz is a smooth, supple beauty. It's full-bodied without seeming overly rich, heavy or alcoholic, lined by silky, fine-grained tannins and showing impressive length on the finish. Yes, it's on the savory side of things, but that just provides a point of difference when it's tasted against many of its Australian peers.
James Halliday – A polished study on the purity and intensity of flavour delivered by old vines, as much as a righteous approach to winemaking. A touch of reduction, whole berries in the ferment, gentle agitation and a curb of oak to corral the fray. Boysenberry, iodine, lilac and other purple florals, lavender and smoked charcuterie. Pulpy, full weighted and joyous. An unashamed hot-climate shiraz made right. - Ned Goodwin MW
James Halliday – Look, this is not a patch on its Power of One sibling, yet there is heft, power and a girdle of oak, restraining a phalanx of baked dark fruits, molten licorice strap and a potpourri of spice. A rich, monolithic wine of considerable personality that may be a bit hot, but mercifully, is far from jammy. - Ned Goodwin MW
James Halliday – A beautiful, full-bodied shiraz, awash with dark, coal-like, licorice-lashed flavour and bristling with spice-shot tannin. We have a real contender here. Coffee ground and earth-like notes add to the wine's drama. Drinking this is like stepping into a deep, dark pool. - Campbell Mattinson
James Halliday – 79/21% cabernet sauvignon and shiraz; small open fermenters; wild yeast; 2-week ferment; matured for 10 months in French oak (10% new). This is all about cabernet sauvignon kicking up its heels in the Barossa Valley and making no apologies for doing so. There is an edge of authority to its expression provided by the firm tannins, shiraz ending any suggestion of excess force. Bargain on a grand scale.
James Halliday Wine Companion 2023, 3 August, 2022
James Halliday – Includes 10% cabernet sauvignon and 3% viognier; small open-top fermenters, wild yeast, 2-week ferment; matured on fine lees, matured 10 months in French barriques, puncheons and demi-muids (5% new). A medium-bodied blend of cherry, plum and blackberry fruits, complexed by ripe though savoury tannins. Excellent balance.
James Halliday Wine Companion 2023, 3 August, 2022
The Wine Front – Mike Bennie The Wine Front “It’s become a more modern, refined style”, explains Kevin Glastonbury, winemaker, and it was 100% new American oak when he started. Oak-tavius, as it is/was known. “It’s now about individual parcels in the right oak, now, much more French and Hungarian particularly in the younger wines, though of course American oak plays a part in the maturation time”. Looking for some refinement, is the agenda. Average age of the vineyard is significant, with oldest 1854, youngest 42 years old or so.
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.