- Australia has well and truly made shiraz its own. This medium- to full-bodied red drinks fabulously as a young wine, but will gain complexity with years in the bottle. While the variety is closely associated with this country’s warm climate wine regions, it can adapt to a range of terroirs. As plantings in cooler climates have become more common, so has the use of the synonym “syrah” – look to these wines for the same drinkability, but a more restrained and elegant palate. Sample the following to discover the subtle nuances of modern Australian shiraz.
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2018 Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah
The “rachis” is the stalk to which the individual berries are attached. This cuvee is so named for the inclusion of the grape rachis in the winemaking process – a technique which contributes additional perfumes, tannins and flavours. As a result, this syrah is powerfully intense, with flavours of black fruit, spice, black pepper and oolong tea. -
2015 Brown Brothers Patricia Shiraz
This deep, inky red is ripe on the nose, with aromatic blackberry and toasty oak, and hints of cinnamon and white pepper. It is nimble across the palate, with slightly chalky tannins and bright acidity keeping everything in check. This shiraz is intense and concentrated, with excellent balance. -
2018 John Duval Wines Entity Shiraz
This wine boasts aromas of boysenberry, with notes of anise and clove. Its palate is awash with fresh, vibrant blue fruits and concentrated plum, plus a hint of cedar spice. Ripe and complex, this shiraz displays a savoury oak influence and fine, lingering tannins. -
2017 Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz
A deep ruby hue with alluring notes of smoky charcuterie, thyme, pepper, liquorice, blackberry, plum and cedar. The palate is dense and concentrated with more dark berry fruits, spice and liquorice, supported by textured chocolate tannins on the finish. A powerful wine with plenty of class. -
2017 Mount Benson Estate Syrah
This syrah has been whole-berry fermented with extended skin contact, decanted into French oak barrels and matured for fourteen months. It showcases flavours of plum and blueberry, cinnamon and allspice, with balanced tannins. It has a smooth, full mouthfeel and extended palate – a fabulous accompaniment to red meats, cheeses, and charcuterie platters. -
2018 Sidewood Estate Shiraz
Aromas of plum, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and spice lead to a palate with generous flavours of forest berries, leather and white pepper. Rich and silky tannins linger on the finish. Delicious on its own or with dishes such as filet mignon, roast pork belly or truffle and porcini pasta.
RRP $30 | Drink to 2028 | domainenaturaliste.com.au
RRP $62 | Drink to 2030 | brownbrothers.com.au
RRP $55 | Drink to 2034 | johnduvalwines.com
RRP $49 | Drink to 2030 | kaybrothers.com.au
RRP $35 | Drink to 2023 | mountbensonestate.com.au
RRP $28 | Drink to 2030 | sidewood.com.au
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
