Paulmara Estates Areti Shiraz
The word ‘areti’, Romanized from the Ancient Greek, refers to ‘excellence’ of any kind. Paulmara Estates define it as ‘excellence of character bound with fulfilment of purpose to live up to one’s full potential’. Areti is typically deep in colour, with complex dark berry aromas, rich velvety textures, and prodigious length. Andrew Caillard MW has observed that Areti is distinctly ‘Penfoldsian’ in style, which makes sense as the viticulturist (Paul Georgiadis) and winemaker (Jason Barrette) are both ex-Penfolds. Areti is made from Barossa Valley shiraz (with 5% cabernet sauvignon) from two distinct, estate-owned, Marananga vineyards—Block 1A and Paradigm vineyard. Planted in 1995, Block 1A rises up to 290m, and its soils range from red-brown loams over red clay with ironstone, to red-brown loams over clay and limestone. Paradigm’s vines range from 50 to 90 years old, its soils are predominantly red-brown loams over red clay, with shattered ironstone and quartz, and its fruit carries a reputation for having contributed to Penfolds Grange.
Taylors Wines The Pioneer Shiraz
Ivyburn The Pioneer Shiraz
Sourced from pioneer planted Shiraz vines that have been continually hand tendered in the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale. This wine expresses the complexity, structure and intensity of flavour of the unique vineyard source. Rich dark red fruit and abundant ripe tannins integrated with perfumed oak. Cellaring potential of 15 plus years.
OR Clonakilla Canberra District Shiraz Viognier
Winemaker Tim Kirk's ethereal and evocative Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is perhaps one of the most important advances in the development of Australian Shiraz since the release of 1952 Penfolds Grange Hermitage. The fruit is sourced from two adjacent estate-owned vineyards. The original vineyard has south-east and south-west aspects whereas T and L Block faces north-east. Lying at 600 meters above sea level, the soils are granitic with sandy brown and red loams over friable clay. Traditional 'Burgundian' winemaking techniques are employed "to highlight the inherent flavours in the fruit". The aim is "to produce wines with natural balance and roundness". Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is medium to full-bodied with highly aromatic ginger, white pepper, apricot fruit, underlying savoury French oak and fine slinky dry tannins. The Viognier component melts into the Shiraz and is rarely more than a "subliminal influence". The style captures the essence of contemporary winemaking philosophy and regional expression.
Kay Brothers Amery Block 6 Old Vine McLaren Vale Shiraz
Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz is a very powerful, concentrated cellaring style with plenty of fruit richness, chocolaty tannins and underlying malty oak. The 1.6 hectare Block 6, which forms part of the Kay Brother's larger 22 hectare Amery Vineyards, was originally a pumpkin patch of old bush vines. The Block 6 fruit is batch vinified in three to five tonne traditional open fermenters originally built by the Kay Brothers in 1895. Some parcels are hand plunged while others are fermented under header boards. At completion of fermentation the wine is drained and basket pressed into a combination of one third each new, one year old and two year old American and Eastern European oak. Maturation takes place for around 18 to 24 months before assemblage and bottling under screw cap.
OR Penfolds RWT Shiraz
Just release from the cellar, RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz is entering its next phase of evolution—showing greater depth, harmony and refinement while retaining its signature power and precision. The once-vibrant nose has settled into a savoury complexity: cured meats, green olive, rosemary and subtle tar now merge with warm patisserie notes of cinnamon pastry, burnt sugar and toasted French oak. The palate remains medium-bodied but has broadened in texture, with the acidity softening and the chalky tannins now more integrated. The French oak influence is seamless, lending structure without overwhelming. Still showing vitality, but now unfolding the layered character that defines RWT’s long-lived style. A poised and elegant expression of single-region Barossa Shiraz, with many graceful years still ahead.
OR Wendouree Shiraz
Another fantastic release from Wendouree's uber-famous old vine Shiraz. One of the most collected wines in Australia. Full of plush red fruit, spice, pepper and light eucalypt. Medium bodied but very well structured with firm chalky tannin and firm acidity.
Mitolo Marsican McLaren Vale Shiraz
Almost opaque, deep crimson to dark red. Immediately rich yet elegant bouquet, deep dark plum and baked cherries. Nutmeg, chocolate and coffee hints build with time. Layered and complex, texture beginning silky smooth and highly polished. Tannin intensity climbs to provide assertive and very fine tannins, offering perfect support to carry blackberry, satsuma and dark plum, and rich cherry through the very long palate. Subtle hints of dried fig and cocoa bean add interest to the dry spice notes from the nose. Succulent, driven acidity increases intensity and lifts fruit vibrancy throughout the palate, marrying with the tannins to define a firmly structured finish, assuring its ageability and prowess.
Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz Museum Release
https://s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/orchestracms/eosportal/pdf/tasting-notes/yalumba-the-octavius-shiraz-2016-museum.pdf
Henschke Mt Edelstone 70th anniversary
There are always captivating florals and spices in the perfume of Mount Edelstone, and in this more toned vintage, sage, pepper, bay leaf, and bark cavort atop the fruit notes. ... When you peek behind the curtain, the fruit is sleek and polished, and the tannins are superfine. The finish is as neat and ordered as any I have tasted, and given its youth and grandeur, this alone offers a fascinating insight into the extraordinary balance across the entire landscape of the palate.