NV Shiraz

Shiraz is the name that the Australians call the Syrah grape. It is the workhorse red grape variety in that country, making sturdy everyday wines right up to bottles that approach $1,000 each. Much of the Australian Shiraz that has been imported here is the reasonably priced everyday wine (which sadly can overshadow just how good Australian Shiraz can be!) and this has inspired the decision to bottle this wine. It is a barrel selection of wines from the various Syrah programs that has been bottled separately, all chosen for having plenty of flavor and character. In this selection process I have sometimes chosen barrels from different vintages and hence it has no vintage year. It can be enjoyed now, but I think it can age for several more years and during that time will offer a wine with robust flavors at a price that won’t break the bank. This version has red cherry flavors, some leather and smoky notes of Syrah and good tannic structure that will match well with hearty winter fare.