Shiraz
six shirazs (including the shiraz viognier) from six regions with no forethought or planning of that outcome. It is a testament to the flexibility of shiraz, notably its ability to provide lovely wines from cool and warm regions alike.
Mike Press Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2008
94 points, $13.99, Screwcap, 14.9% alc
It was once accepted that only the warmest parts of the Adelaide Hills could adequately ripen shiraz. Now, with cool climate shiraz style in vogue, the dynamics are very different. Vivid crimson; the wine exudes black cherry, blackberry, licorice and spice through every pore; just enough tannins to underwrite development.
From Adelaide Hills, SA
Drink to 2015 with wild mushroom ravioli
www.mikepresswines.com.au
Kirrihill Clare Valley Shiraz 2008
94 points, $14.99, Screwcap, 15% alc
A substantial, multi-faceted business, with an 8000-tonne winery making a large range of wines under its own brand, and for others. Very good colour; opens with rich dark fruit aromas, then abundant plum and blackberry fruit on the medium- to full-bodied palate supported by ripe tannins and a modicum of French oak.
From Clare Valley, SA
Drink to 2023 with beef spare ribs
www.kirrihillwines.com.au
Seville Estate The Barber Yarra Valley Shiraz 2008
93 points, $18.99, Screwcap, 13.5% alc
The Barber, of course, is of Seville (with apologies to Rossini). It is also the third level of the Seville Estate range, here aided by a good vintage. Bright colour; a live-wire cool climate shiraz, with spice, pepper and licorice dancing around the juicy black cherry fruit, acidity darting across the palate.
From Yarra Valley, Vic
Drink to 2018 with stir-fried Asian beef
www.sevilleestate.com.au
Fox Gordon Eight Uncles Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006
94 points, $19.95, Screwcap, 13.5% alc
A part-time venture of Jane Gordon, Rachel Atkins (nee Fox) and Natasha Mooney, using grapes from dry-grown vineyards farmed under biodiversity principles. Good colour; has excellent texture, the bright plum and blackberry fruit supported by a fine skein of savoury tannins. Praise be to a wine not driven by alcohol.
From Barossa Valley, SA
Drink to 2014 with spicy green chicken curry
www.foxgordon.com.au
Possums Vineyard McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006
95 points, $19.99, Screwcap, 14.5% alc
From the 60 ha vineyards of distinguished viticultural researcher Dr John Possingham and partner Carol Summers. A harmonious and complex array of aromas and flavours are at the elegant end of the McLaren Vale spectrum, and is all the better for that; it has deceptive length, and is wonderfully vibrant and juicy.
From McLaren Vale, SA
Drink to 2019 with braised rabbit
www.possumswines.com.au
Mistletoe Hilltops Shiraz Viognier 2008
95 points, $19.99, Screwcap, 14% alc
While Mistletoe is firmly anchored in the Hunter Valley, its young gun winemaker Nick Paterson has not hesitated to look further afield for different styles. Lively and juicy, the red fruit flavours almost tingling, so fresh are they; the finish, too, leaves the mouth echoing the messages of the bouquet and mid-palate.
From Hilltops, NSW
Drink to 2014 with designer pizza
www.mistletoewines.com