This Cote Rotie Chateau D'Ampuis 2007 by Guical is made from 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier from 7 exceptional terroirs: Le Clos

DOMAINE BELLE Roche Pierre , Crozes-Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage

Shiraz grapes harvested in amazing growing conditions, with the fruit portraying great concentration, texture and balance. This juicy and flavour-filled vintage was used to craft a marvellous Shiraz wine showing a bold violet-red hue. Lifted red berry and spice notes flow off the bouquet, while the smooth palate structure features rich dark berry and chocolate flavours. This wine is fit for consumption upon release or can be cellared for about 8 to 10 years. Five-spice lamb, tandoori lamb chops and grilled bison dishes taste wonderful with this elegant Shiraz varietal.

Its fair to say Luke Lambert hasn't looked back since 'relocating' his Syrah to the Tibooburra vineyard. This southwest sloping site lies in the southeastern corner of the Valley, near Gembrook, and might be the coolest microclimate of the Yarra. The site is expertly managed by Greg Kerr, the grower who planted the vineyard in 2001. The soils here are considered very unusual for the Yarra, comprising a seam of black volcanic topsoil over yellow clay with a smattering of granite rock throughout. Furthermore, the quality of the clonal material in Tibooburra supplies Lambert with deeper and darker Syrah fruit that also has more depth and structure. This is what drew him to the site and a good chunk of the reason the Syrah has become a touchstone example of cool-climate Yarra Shiraz.