Shiraz
Australia’s favorite varietal. One of the worlds powerhouse wines, a full bodied wine that loves the heat .
This grape took on the name of the City it was first discovered in Persia. Once was known as he finest wine in the world.
Today, Winemakers have evolved the style of Shiraz , Often seen as a Big monster fruit bomb.
In my eyes, Shiraz represents the reality that wine is today. In Australia, Shiraz has evolved from the talents of past winemakers who honed their talents on fortified wines, wines that would sit for years to evolve. Wines were not made to drink immediately, So over time these big ballsy wines would evolve with bottle age, mellow and develop beautiful complexities.
Australian inherently have an eye for wines with age. We would never take a 2020 Shiraz over a 2015, or 2010. Where as the US Market is much more about “Drink it now”. US Winemakers wanted (and often the commercial entities) encourage their customers to drink now.
Robert Parker could see the amazing Quality of the Shiraz that was available and back 15 years ago their scores were representative of that.
What has changed you may ask???
Is Shiraz not as good now??
The truth in my opinion is the mix of cultures. US Reviewers only get to see wines of current vintages, which is too early for these beauties to evolve.
The wines Australian’s produce are still looking for some bottle age!!
Hence the Market only hear about wines that are not ready.
What do you reckon Robert Parker was drinking, He knew!!
If I sent a 2012 Wine to a reviewer now they would only return it and ask for a current Vintage.
It is the same as putting a thoroughbred Stayer into a sprint, just does not work. But 5 years later, the Stayer is just getting to its prime, the Sprinter career being over !
The new revolution for often Younger generation of winemakers is what I would consider the “New Wave” of cooler climate wine , more subtle characteristic , fruit forward, ready to crack open now Shiraz.
These wines suit the market ( and the commercial interests) better. Dont get me wrong, cool climate shiraz is one of my favorite wines , but let’s just put it this way.
In my opinion, A great Aged Shiraz will always be better than a great new style!!
-
Yaldara Classic Shiraz 2014
$15.00 – $100.00 Select options -
Mr Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2016
$25.00 – $200.00 Select options -
2015 Climbing Shiraz
$25.00 – $200.00 Select options -
2013 Wicks Estate Adelaide Hills Shiraz
$25.00 – $300.00 Select options -
Woodstock McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013
$25.00 – $120.00 Select options