Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz

Vintage: 2005
Type: Shiraz
Country: South Australia, Australia



To me, this was an Australian red wine that stood out from the other Austrlian exports showcased at the wine fair.

In a glass, it looks like your typical older shiraz: deep reddish-purple colour, long legs, slight fading at the edges. What sets this wine apart is that it has a slight mossy or earthy character on its finish, which is reminiscent of the Bordeaux from Chateau Rouselle 2004. Could this be an Aussie wine that is channelling a French spirit?

Well done to Wolf Blass for choosing a great company to take to the next level.

Yellow Tail - Shiraz

Vintage: 2008
Type: Shiraz
Country: Australia



Oh dear. As a big fan of Australian shiraz wines, I really wanted to like this one (especially because Yellow Tail has consistently produced fantastic merlots). Unfortunately, I find this Shiraz too grainy on the tongue, which is perhaps what happens when the boss' nose wants to be generous with its earthiness and full-bodiness. Its redeeming features are its intense purple-like colour, spicy aroma and formation of long legs on the glass.

Two Oceans - Dagger Point

Vintage: 2008
Type: Shiraz
Country: South Africa



I tried this wine at a pub with some Thai food. Overall it was nice and drinkable, though it lacked the punch that I would expect from a Shiraz. Not a wine to enjoy on it's own, but perfectly acceptable with food.

Rosemount - Show Reserve Shiraz

Vintage: 2003
Type: Shiraz
Country: Australia - Mclaren Vale



I had a bottle of this included in a mixed case and I was unsure what to make of it. I had had Rosemount's excellent GSM, so I was expecting something special. Boy was I not let down! An excellent wine, that is great now and should last for quite a few more years. I loved the oak flavours and bouquet and the wine had a deep rich crimson colour.

I need to go fine a case of this stuff...

More info here & here.

Glen Carlou

Vintage: 2005
Type: Shiraz
Country: South Africa - Paarl




Another nice Shiraz with good colour and flavour. It had a pleasant oak finish to it with a hint of berry.

Casillero del Diablo Shiraz

Vintage: 2007
Type: Shiraz
Country: Chile




Casillero del Diablo is a safe wine. Reasonably cheap (though the Cabernet is now quite expensive now that it has been recognised), this winery is reliable to produce a decent wine. The shiraz follows this trend, good flavour, good colour and good taste. I recommend it if you can find it for a good price.

Also the crest is pretty cool.

Curico Valley

Vintage: 2007
Type: Shiraz
Country: Chile



This fair trade wine was a gift for Christmas and it was not too bad. It was in a gift pack, which normally means to be wary, but it is from M&S so not to worry. I found it pleasant and easy to drink. Perfect with a meal.

Laithwaite Shiraz

Vintage: 2005
Type: Oak Aged Shiraz
Country: Australia - McLaren Vale




This is another wine that I thought would be amazing that turned out to be rather mediocre. This is a "select" range from Laithwaite, but to be honest for the price you are better to go with something else. Perhaps with some more age it will mature into something special, but for now it is way to expensive for what you get.

More info here

Zapapico

Vintage: 2006
Type: Shiraz (Oak-Aged Reserva)
Country: Argintina



I really liked this Shiraz, very spicy and had an excellent bouquet.

More Info Here

Cerro Tololo

Vintage: 2005
Type: Shiraz
Country: Chile - Elqui Valley



Wow was this wine young. Even after having left it for several hours to breath, it was way to acidic and harsh. We set it aside for a day and the next evening it was tolerable. Perhaps with a few more years it will taste better, but if you like to enjoy your wine when you buy it: stay away!

More here

Willy Willy

Vintage: 2007
Type: Shiraz
Country: Australia - New South Wales



An OK wine, that I expected more from it, but perhaps the 2006 vintage was better. Good Shiraz, not great. You can find more about it here