A little while back I posted a review about a very good chardonnay. The main thing I pointed out at the time was the opinions about the variety. Well, I had a similar response from a couple of work colleagues recently about Shiraz. Comments like “… it’s everywhere; there’s heaps of it in bottle-shops”; “too dry” and “it’s too heavy for me” came out in the conversation.
I wasn’t about to say they were wrong because it’s their opinion and everyone’s taste is different. However, I couldn’t help myself, I had to respond in defence of Shiraz. I had to. We have been friends for many years. I covered off, as best I could, on all the negatives thrown around and even managed to get a couple of positives from the small group. They mainly focused on how good the variety was when drunk alongside chunks of red meat and at barbecues, and the other one was “it’s pretty cheap”. The all-round upside though, they said they would continue to buy it! I definitely need to bring this wine to their attention.
Beautiful deep colour. Just beautiful. Loved it right from this point on. Crimson/purple with ruby red rim at the edge of the glass. Tick! Giving plenty on the nose showing its youthfulness that’s for sure. Fresh dark fruits, plums and a hint of star anise poking through. Another tick!! Abundant fruit flavours of blackberries, dark cherries, plums and blueberries. A dash of pepper adds a nice dimension too. The oak and tannins play bit parts (but doing their bit nicely) and finishing beautifully smooth. Tick number three!!! A very well made and very enjoyable wine.
Region: Orange, NSW Price: $22 Source: Sample courtesy of Angullong wines and Define Wine
Words from a Wine Glass 